Energy Transfer Executive Chairman Kelcy Warren has been recognized as the “Dallas Philanthropist of the Year” by the Dallas Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for 2024, adding to his extensive list of accolades that highlight both his business acumen and commitment to giving back.
The prestigious award acknowledges Warren’s exceptional generosity and direct financial support that has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility. His philanthropic leadership has inspired others to take similar roles in community engagement at local, national, and international levels.
Warren, who co-founded Energy Transfer in 1996, has transformed the company from a small operation with 200 miles of natural gas pipelines in East Texas into an energy infrastructure giant that now operates nearly 125,000 miles of pipelines spanning 44 states. Under his leadership, Energy Transfer has become a dominant player in the energy sector, transporting approximately one-third of the country’s natural gas and crude oil.
Beyond his business achievements, Warren’s philanthropic impact has been substantial across Dallas and beyond. His $10 million donation in 2012 was instrumental in creating Klyde Warren Park, a beloved 5.2-acre green space that connects Dallas’ uptown and downtown areas. In 2019, he provided an additional $20 million to expand the park and enhance its free public programs.
In 2023, Warren made history with a $12 million gift to his alma mater, the University of Texas-Arlington—the largest single donation in the institution’s history. The gift aims to elevate UTA’s growing resource and energy engineering field, addressing critical needs in the energy sector.
“Texas faces a critical need for highly skilled graduates who can manage energy resources, and this innovative REE program will help meet that demand,” Warren said at the time of the donation.
His support extends to numerous educational institutions, medical facilities, and children’s organizations, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, and the March of Dimes. Through a partnership between Energy Transfer and the MLB’s Texas Rangers, Warren has been a steadfast supporter of the West Dallas Youth Academy since 2018.
Warren’s leadership extends beyond corporate boardrooms. He serves on the board of the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation and was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the University of Texas System Board of Regents, where he will serve through 2025. In 2019, he was appointed to the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees.
His recent inclusion in D CEO’s 2025 Dallas 500 edition further cements his status as one of the region’s most influential business leaders. The publication, which features the most powerful and influential leaders in North Texas, recognizes individuals who have made significant impacts in their industries and communities.
Energy Transfer continues to achieve record-breaking performance under Warren’s strategic vision. The company reported unprecedented volumes across all segments in 2023 and maintains approximately 20% market share of worldwide natural gas liquids exports.
As Warren combines business leadership with philanthropic endeavors, his approach reflects a deep commitment to community development and finding solutions to pressing challenges. His recognition as Dallas Philanthropist of the Year acknowledges not just his financial contributions, but also his role in encouraging others to engage in philanthropy and community service.
Through strategic vision and generous giving, Kelcy Warren continues to shape both the energy industry and the communities in which Energy Transfer operates, leaving a lasting legacy of business excellence and meaningful social impact.