Since 1964, the Alaska Chamber’s William A. Egan Outstanding Alaskan of the Year award has been presented to an individual who has made substantial contributions of statewide significance. Boone and Crockett Board Member, John Hendrix was honored for his investment in the community, decades of contributions to Alaska’s energy sector and for the success of his natural gas company, HEX.

“My love for Alaska and the outdoors began when my parents moved my sisters and me to Homer. I spent a lot of time outside as an adventurous Alaskan boy dragging trapped lynxes inside the house, falling off cliffs, and disappearing for hours of exploring,” John told during his acceptance speech.

During his 20s, Hendrix wrestled for and graduated from the University of Tennessee where he also met his wife, Candace. The oil and gas industry moved the Hendrix family around the world. He held world-wide leadership roles at Apache Alaska, BP, Schlumberger (now SLB), and NANA, and served as oil and gas advisor to Governor Walker's cabinet. Hendrix hunted around the world and returned to Alaska a few times a year.

About 5 years ago, Hendrix decided to purchase Furie out of bankruptcy and create the company, HEX. “It was risky, but I had a supportive network of Alaskans by my side,” he states. B&C member, Governor Frank Murkowski and the late Board Member, Edward ‘Ed’ Rasmuson were part of this network. Now, HEX is Alaska’s only locally owned producer and has doubled their well production. This is vital for Alaskans who experience a colder winter than most states and who use natural gas to power heat in their homes.

Hendrix invests his expertise back into the state where he grew up. It's a family business with a platform named after John’s newborn granddaughter ‘Allegra Leigh’. John and Candace’s daughter, Lauren, recently left her executive position at a native corporation to join the HEX family of companies. Their son, Adam, was ranked #2 in the world in poker and recently married in September.

Members are welcome to attend Hendrix’s September Rainbow Challenge fishing tournament to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club of the Kenai Peninsula. He also welcomes anyone in B&C to join him at his Kachemak Bay cabin for duck hunting, on his open water boat to fish for summer halibut or winter King salmon, or to his historic Anchorage home for a cocktail. Hendrix hopes to continue devoting his time and resources to support wildlife, education, youth sports, and community organizations across the state.
 

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