Jon Airey Wins 2008 Oilfield Patriot Award
W. Jonathan Airey, a longtime advocate for oil and gas producers across the nation and specifically in Ohio, was the recipient of the 2008 Oilfield Patriot Award, sponsored by Producers Service Corp. Airey received his award during an awards dinner on the evening of August 4, 2008 in front of the Ken Miller Oil & Gas Museum in Shreve, Ohio. Airey was honored with a video package from several friends, family, and colleagues for his contributions to the Ohio oil and gas industry.
Jon Airey received his Juris Doctorate from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law where he was a member of the University of California at Los Angeles Law Review. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Loma Linda University.
Jon currently serves as a partner with the Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease law firm based in Columbus, Ohio. He has accomplished much for oil and gas producers in Ohio, specifically defending them in both gas royalty and favorable compensation cases. He has also worked for producers to ensure they received favorable supply and delivery term contracts for natural gas.
“Jon understands the industry and can convey that to people who do not understand or might not have contact with the industry,” stated M. Howard Petricoff, a partner with the Vorys law firm.
Airey has also been actively involved in this Association. He serves as the current Chair of the Legal Committee, a position he has held since 1982. Since 1994, Jon has been a member of both the Association’s Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. He was honored in 2006 with an induction into the Ohio Oil & Gas Association Hall of Fame.
“We feel that Jon’s character, credibility, and decades of service to the industry made him the most outstanding candidate for this award” stated OOGA President Jim Smail.
“People who have never met Jon have really benefited from his counsel and work at the Ohio Oil & Gas Association”, stated OOGA Treasurer Jerry James.
Past OOGA President Bill Kinney noted Jon’s uncanny ability to foresee issues before they actually happen. “Jon can see around corners where other people do not see around corners and has brought a great vision to both the Association and the industry.”
But Jon’s commitment to the oil & gas industry goes beyond the borders of Ohio. Jon also devotes his time to the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). He has worked on the IPAA Gas Steering and Legal Committees.
“Jon Airey has been one of the people who have stepped to the forefront and provided us with his expertise in a number of areas.” stated IPAA’s Lee Fuller.
Jon has also been involved in several national issues involving oil and gas production, including helping to draft accepted industry practices regarding the issue of pipeline and hazardous materials safety.
“When you think about people who are making a daily difference, there are only a few people who come to mind. Jon Airey is one of those people,” stated Congressman Pat Tiberi.
However, with all of his success in the oil and gas industry, family members and colleagues noted Jon’s dedication to his family as his paramount achievement.
Joe Broker, a former colleague of Jon’s at the Vorys law firm, noted that Jon is the most proud of his family. “He’s a great family man, a wonderful human being and someone I am very proud to call my friend.”
Jon was joined after the award announcement by his wife, Sue, and family, including his sons, Taylor and Mike.
“He’s not the kind of guy who would think he would win an award,” said Sue. “But I think he’ll think it’s wonderful that people think he does a good job.”
“He’s had an absolute dedication to his work and his family. People will tell you that you can’t have both, but he does,“ stated Taylor Airey.
Mike Airey said that, “he’s been a perfect example of what a father can and should do.”
The Ohio Oil & Gas Association would like to congratulate W. Jonathan Airey for being honored as the recipient of the 2008 Oilfield Patriot Award, sponsored by Producers Service Corp. Thank you for your continued service to the entire oil and gas industry.
Executive Vice President Tom Stewart summarized Airey’s contributions to the Ohio oil and gas industry. “I don’t think that the Association’s success would be anything near what it has been if it had not been for Jon Airey’s help and counsel”.