William B. Berry Honored with 2025 Horatio Alger Award for Overcoming Adversity

William B. Berry: A Symbol of Resilience and Leadership

William B. Berry, the former chief executive officer of Continental Resources, Inc., has been chosen as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Horatio Alger Award. This recognition highlights his remarkable journey and the adversities he overcame on his path to success.

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans has a long-standing tradition of honoring individuals who exemplify the values of hard work, honesty, and determination. Berry emerges as a fitting choice among the 12 distinguished leaders selected for the 2025 Member Class. Throughout its 78-year history, the Horatio Alger Award has been bestowed annually on those who have triumphed over significant challenges while remaining committed to education and community service.

Berry's story begins in Gulfport, Mississippi, where he grew up in a modest household. With his father serving as an insurance adjuster and his mother working part-time, financial hardships were common. Nevertheless, Berry learned the values of perseverance and hard work from an early age, undertaking various small jobs like delivering newspapers and cleaning bricks. The challenges intensified when hurricanes flooded his home, yet these experiences only fueled his determination.

At the age of 17, Berry demonstrated his resourcefulness and resolve by purchasing a car damaged by Hurricane Camille. He rehabilitated it, making it roadworthy enough to drive himself to college. This tenacity allowed him to pursue higher education at Mississippi State University, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in petroleum engineering.

His professional career began at Phillips Petroleum in 1976, where his talents quickly became apparent. Berry navigated various positions across the globe, showcasing his expertise in international operations. By 1992, he played a pivotal role as country manager in China and contributed significantly to the company's growth and reputation in the region. His contributions earned him recognition from the Chinese government, acknowledging him as an outstanding foreign expert.

In 2002, Berry’s career progressed further after the merger with ConocoPhillips, advancing to roles such as president of Asia Pacific and then executive vice president of worldwide exploration and production. This trajectory established him as a key player in the energy industry, culminating in his tenure as CEO of Continental Resources from 2020 to 2022.

Despite this illustrious career, Berry faced significant health challenges, such as battling malaria and throat cancer. Yet, these obstacles did not defeat his spirit; instead, they reinforced his belief in education as a transformative force. Reflecting on his journey, Berry stated, "Education was my gateway to overcoming the adversity I faced."

As an advocate for education, he and his wife, Sherry, have made substantial contributions to Mississippi State University, from endowing chairs in engineering to providing scholarships for the underrepresented, particularly women and minorities in technical fields. Berry’s philanthropic efforts extend into various initiatives promoting STEM education and supporting at-risk youth through organizations like Teach For America and Junior Achievement.

Berry’s impact resonates through his service as a board member for multiple educational foundations and his presidency at Spindletop Charities, a nonprofit devoted to improving the lives of at-risk youth in oil-producing locales.

As he prepares to be inducted into the Horatio Alger Association, Berry's legacy reflects a fusion of professional excellence and unwavering commitment to empowering others. As Harold Hamm, executive chairman of Continental Resources and a former Horatio Alger Award recipient, noted, "His belief in the power of education will be a tremendous asset to the Horatio Alger Association."

The formal induction occurs during the 78th Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. from April 3 to 5, 2025. Mr. Berry will join fellow honorees and scholars, sharing stories of perseverance and inspiration with the next generation of leaders.

To follow Berry's journey and learn more about the Horatio Alger Association, visit www.horatioalger.org.