John A.Yates
John A. Yates Sr. was a pioneering figure in the American oil and gas industry and a transformative leader in southeastern New Mexico. Born in Artesia, New Mexico, he was the youngest son of Martin Yates Jr., who drilled the first commercial oil well on state lands in 1924. John began working in the oilfields at the age of 12 and later studied economics at Dartmouth College. He returned to Artesia in 1951 to continue his family’s legacy in the energy sector.
Beyond his business achievements, John was deeply involved in public service and philanthropy. He was appointed by five U.S. Presidents, starting with Ronald Reagan, to serve on the National Petroleum Council. His accolades include the “Chief Roughneck of the Year” award in 1996, an honorary doctorate from New Mexico State University in 2001, and inductions into both the Petroleum Hall of Fame and the Rocky Mountain Oil and Gas Hall of Fame.
John was deeply committed to stewardship – of land, environment, community and future generations. His stewardship continued with the founding of the John A. & Charlotte G. Yates Legacy Foundation in 2011. Loved for his sharp intellect, humility, steadfast ethics and mentorship, John had unwavering dedication to family roots; bold innovation in energy exploration; and heartfelt investment in community prosperity.
Charlotte “Gay” Yates: Charlotte was born and raised in Southeastern New Mexico to two honest, loving and hardworking parents. She credits her love of agriculture to her “Daddy” who worked tirelessly on a farm and instilled the belief that “you leave your name on every job you do.” Her love for people and gift of hospitality was a result of her mother’s way of always making room for someone extra at the table. Charlotte has held many important positions in her lifetime, from homemaker to bookkeeper to an engineering technician – all of which have shaped her value of loyalty, humility, accountability, and pure love for life and all of God’s blessings – both big and small.
Charlotte finds great joy in continuing the philanthropic legacy of her late husband, John A. Yates. John played an instrumental role in how Charlotte showed her love and dedication to serving people and giving to organizations who are impacting some of the most vulnerable individuals in need of relief and support. Charlotte is grateful for John’s influence and tradition and considers herself blessed to be in a position where she can continue to help people and truly make a difference in their lives. John’s entrepreneurial genius, paired with his value of integrity, work ethic, community and relationships influenced the development of this foundation and Charlotte hopes that her love for family, the gift of generosity and desire to “leave things better than I found them” will be passed on to many generations that follow.
Charlotte G. Yates
Charlotte “Gay” Yates: Charlotte was born and raised in Southeastern New Mexico to two honest, loving and hardworking parents. She credits her love of agriculture to her “Daddy” who worked tirelessly on a farm and instilled the belief that “you leave your name on every job you do.” Her love for people and gift of hospitality was a result of her mother’s way of always making room for someone extra at the table. Charlotte has held many important positions in her lifetime, from homemaker to bookkeeper to an engineering technician – all of which have shaped her value of loyalty, humility, accountability, and pure love for life and all of God’s blessings – both big and small.
Charlotte finds great joy in continuing the philanthropic legacy of her late husband, John A. Yates. John played an instrumental role in how Charlotte showed her love and dedication to serving people and giving to organizations who are impacting some of the most vulnerable individuals in need of relief and support. Charlotte is grateful for John’s influence and tradition and considers herself blessed to be in a position where she can continue to help people and truly make a difference in their lives. John’s entrepreneurial genius, paired with his value of integrity, work ethic, community and relationships influenced the development of this foundation and Charlotte hopes that her love for family, the gift of generosity and desire to “leave things better than I found them” will be passed on to many generations that follow.