Jan Chapman, Key Oil, has been named the 2020 Oil and Gas Man of the Year by the West Virginia Oil & Gas Festival board.
Barbara Vincent, representing the West Virginia Oil & Gas Fair Board, “We are excited to name Mr. Chapman as the 2020 Oil and Gas Man of the Year. Due to COVID-19, it is unfortunate we cannot conduct our usual honoree luncheon. However, if at all possible, the Festival Board hopes to conduct an awards ceremony and luncheon in Spring 2021 in Sistersville.”
“IOGA applauds the Festival’s decision,” said Executive Director Charlie Burd. “I can think of no one more deserving than Jan to receive this prestigious award.”
Chapman will be honored on February 18 during the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia’s Winter Meeting.
Born and raised around West Union in Doddridge County, Jan Chapman was raised by his father who had several wells, so he grew up in the industry. Armed with his BS degree in psychology from Fairmont State University, Chapman took the “obvious” career choice and went to work for Carl E. Smith Pipeline Construction in 1977.
He worked six months for Smith and another several months for Consolidated Gas Supply Corporation. “Joe McLaughlin offered me a job as a well tender, landman, etc. in December of 1978 and I accepted,” Chapman said. “I was the first full-time employee hired by Key Oil Company.”
In 1992, he had the opportunity to buy Key Oil Company. Since then, Chapman has been able to acquire the drilling acreage, raise the capital and, with the help of many good employees and contractors, drill 812 additional wells. Today, the company operates 935 wells in central West Virginia.
Chapman’s company has 13 employees, some of whom who have been with his since the beginning. He said, “It’s been fun and I’ve never looked at it like going to work.”
Chapman has been married to his wife Robin since 2007 and his daughter, Jamie Chapman Mohr, is an attorney with Antero Resources.