For more than four decades, D. Kirk Edwards has helped shape the petroleum industry of West Texas through engineering expertise, entrepreneurial leadership, industry advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to the communities of the Permian Basin.

Born and raised in Odessa, Texas, Edwards is the son of W.T. “Bill” Edwards, a longtime petroleum industry leader and one of the founding members of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA). Growing up, Kirk witnessed firsthand the important role the energy industry played in supporting families, businesses, and communities throughout the region.

Edwards graduated from Permian High School in 1977 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin in 1981. He began his career with Texaco Inc. in December 1981, gaining hands-on experience in reservoir engineering, drilling, production, and field operations throughout West Texas and New Mexico. These early experiences established the technical foundation and practical understanding that would define his leadership throughout his career.

In 1986, during one of the oil and gas industry's most challenging downturns, Edwards founded Odessa Exploration, Inc. Through disciplined engineering, strategic acquisitions, creative partnerships, and conservative financial management, he built a successful independent exploration and production company. He also established ODEX Drilling, acquiring a drilling rig to sustain operations during the difficult economic environment. Odessa Exploration ultimately merged with Key Energy Services, marking a significant milestone in Edwards’ entrepreneurial career.

Edwards joined Key Energy in 1993 and went on to serve as Executive Vice President and a member of its Board of Directors. During his tenure, the company grew from approximately 600 employees to more than 10,000 by 1997, becoming the world's largest well-servicing company, with operations across the United States and internationally.

Returning to independent entrepreneurship, Edwards helped establish several investment partnerships before founding Latigo Petroleum, LLC, where he serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, Latigo has assembled significant oil and gas assets across Texas and Oklahoma. The company's acquisitions, including a major purchase of BP assets in 2020, expanded its operations to nearly 400,000 net acres in the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma. Latigo's development and management of mature producing properties have helped preserve valuable infrastructure, sustain production, and support economic activity throughout the region.

Edwards' commitment to the petroleum industry extends well beyond his business ventures. He served as PBPA Chairman from 2010 to 2012, following in the footsteps of his father, Bill Edwards, making them the association's first father-son pair to serve as chairman. He has championed responsible energy development, industry collaboration, and policies that support the long-term success of producers, service companies, mineral owners, and employees. He continues to contribute to Texas energy policy as a member of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's Energy Advisory Committee.

His public service has also spanned economic development, education, and local government. Edwards served on the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas' El Paso Branch Board from 2007 to 2013, including as chairman, and on the University Lands Advisory Board from 2018 to 2021. He chaired the Odessa Chamber of Commerce from 2009 to 2010, served on the Odessa City Council from 1997 to 1999, and served as president of the Permian Basin International Oil Show from 2006 to 2008. Throughout his career, he has supported educational institutions, charitable organizations, and civic initiatives throughout West Texas.

His contributions have earned numerous honors, including the Odessa Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year in 2018, the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute's Texas Leadership Award for Outstanding Local Texas Leader in 2015, and The University of Texas Permian Basin's Lissa Noel Wagner Award in 2025, its highest honor for a UTPB supporter.

Throughout his career, Edwards has demonstrated that lasting success in the petroleum industry is measured not only by the companies built and resources developed, but also by the opportunities created for others and the strength of the communities served. His legacy reflects a lifetime of entrepreneurial achievement, industry leadership, mentorship, and service to the Permian Basin.