J. Larry Nichols

John Larry Nichols (born July 6, 1942) is the co-founder and former chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Devon Energy. He is a member of the board of directors of Baker Hughes and Sonic Drive-In.

Early life and education In 1960, Nichols graduated from Casady School in Oklahoma City. In 1964, he received a B.A. in Geology from Princeton University. In 1967, he received a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.

In 1971, along with his father, John Nichols, an oilman, J. Larry Nichols co-founded Devon Energy. He served as chief executive officer of the company from 1980 to 2010, was president from 1976 until 2003, was chairman from 2000 to 2012, and was executive chairman from 2013 to 2016.

In 2001, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

Personal life In 1972, Nichols married Polly. They have 2 children: a daughter, Sally, and a son, Tyler.

Politics Nichols is a Republican.

In the third quarter of 2014, just before the midterm elections, Nichols made a $136,000 contribution to the Republican "Targeted State Victory" committee.

In 2015, Nichols agreed to lead the energy steering committee of Florida Senator Marco Rubio and made a $50,000 contribution to the political action committee supporting Rubio. Nichols stated that "excessive regulation squashes" energy innovation.

Nichols has contributed to Oklahoma Strong, the political action committee supporting Scott Pruitt.

Philanthropy Nichols is the namesake of the J. Larry Nichols Community Foundation Scholar Award by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.