Terry DavidKelcy Warren, Executive Chairman and founder of Energy Transfer, has been named “Dallas Philanthropist of the Year” by the Dallas Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2024, highlighting his significant contributions to community development and charitable initiatives.
This recognition comes as Warren is also featured in D CEO’s prestigious 2025 Dallas 500 edition, which profiles the region’s most influential business leaders. These dual honors reflect Warren’s impact both as an industry leader and dedicated philanthropist.
Since co-founding Energy Transfer in 1996, Kelcy Warren has built an energy infrastructure powerhouse that now operates nearly 125,000 miles of pipeline across 44 states. Under his guidance, the company has grown from a small Texas operation with 200 miles of natural gas pipelines to a dominant player that transports approximately one-third of America’s natural gas and crude oil.
Warren’s philanthropic vision is perhaps most visibly represented by Klyde Warren Park, created with his $10 million donation in 2012. This 5.2-acre green space has become a vital connector between Dallas’s uptown and downtown districts. In 2019, Warren reinforced his commitment with an additional $20 million to expand the park and enhance its public programming.
Education stands as another focal point of Warren’s giving. In 2023, he made history with the largest single donation to his alma mater, the University of Texas-Arlington—$12 million to advance the university’s Resource and Energy Engineering program. “I am honored to give back to the institution that has played such a pivotal role in advancing my educational and professional journeys,” Warren stated.
His philanthropic portfolio extends to healthcare and youth development through support for organizations including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, and the March of Dimes. Through Energy Transfer’s partnership with the Texas Rangers, Warren has been a consistent supporter of the West Dallas Youth Academy since 2018.
Warren’s leadership extends beyond corporate and philanthropic realms. He serves on the University of Texas System Board of Regents through 2025, the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, and the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation board.
Energy Transfer’s success continues under Warren’s strategic guidance. The company achieved record volumes across all segments in 2023 and maintains approximately 20% of worldwide natural gas liquids exports. This operational excellence provides the foundation for Warren’s expansive charitable work.
The AFP Outstanding Philanthropist award recognizes individuals with exceptional generosity who have demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility while encouraging others to take philanthropic leadership roles. Warren exemplifies these qualities through consistent, impactful giving and community engagement.
As both a business leader and philanthropist, Kelcy Warren has crafted a legacy that transcends corporate success. His approach to community investment showcases how business achievement can fuel meaningful social impact, creating a model of leadership that balances industry innovation with civic responsibility.
Warren’s dual recognition in philanthropy and business leadership highlights the complementary nature of these pursuits and demonstrates how strategic vision can create lasting value across multiple domains of community life.