GRAPEVINE, TX, December 10, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Don D. Valden has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Valden has established a distinguished career in the oil and gas sector since 1980, marked by entrepreneurial leadership and a commitment to education. Since 2018, he has served as chief executive officer of Onward Land & Survey Services, OLSTX, LLC, a staffing company he co-owns with his brother. The firm specializes in providing right-of-way agents, acquisition agents and landman professionals to the oil and gas industry, as well as offering land surveying, GIS mapping and land title research services to energy companies. In this capacity, Mr. Valden oversees operations, client outreach and the delivery of specialized staffing solutions for pipeline and transmission line projects.

Additionally, Mr. Valden has served as chief executive officer of American Right of Way Academy - ARWA, Inc. since 2000. In this role, he has continued to expand his influence within the industry by developing training programs and fostering relationships with both public- and private-sector clients. He is also a course writer and instructor for The Professional Landman Schools and the Institute of Energy Management. His leadership at ARWA, Inc. is complemented by his ongoing tenure as chief executive officer of American Right of Way Academy, which he founded in 2000. Over the past 25 years, Mr. Valden has dedicated himself as a course writer, instructor and Professor to teaching at three colleges and to providing public training focused on marketing and the technical aspects of oil and gas right-of-way acquisitions, land title research, and route selection. He is recognized for writing courses and instructing both industry professionals and the general public, ensuring that knowledge is passed on to future generations.

From 2006 to 2016, Mr. Valden also served as chief executive officer of Texas Right of Way Associates (TRWA). During this period, he further honed his expertise in right-of-way services while expanding his professional network within the energy sector.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Valden pursued entrepreneurial ventures outside the oil and gas industry. He is a real estate investor, public speaker and was a professional boxing promoter, channeling his passion for the sport into organizing events and supporting athletes. He also owned a comedy and magic club, demonstrating versatility in business management and entertainment.

Mr. Valden's professional affiliations reflect his standing in the field. He has been a member of the Fort Worth Petroleum Club since 1998. He is also affiliated with the Fort Worth Association of Professional Landmen, the International Right of Way Association, SGA Natural Gas Association and the Rotary Club.

His achievements have been recognized through several honors, most notably being named Businessman of the Year by the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber in 2012, a distinction he considers among his proudest accomplishments. He has also received recognition from the Petroleum Club of Fort Worth for his contributions to the industry.

Mr. Valden's educational background includes an associate's degree in marketing from Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas. He has further enhanced his expertise through certifications from the Texas Real Estate Institute in law and agency relationships, real estate investment property analysis, real estate fundamentals, real estate appraisal, and fair housing. These academic credentials have provided a strong foundation for his work in real estate investment, an area he has pursued throughout his life with a focus on residential properties, and have supported his ability to train others effectively.

The inspiration for Mr. Valden's career began in 1980 when he was influenced by the television show "Dallas" and its iconic character J.R. Ewing, portrayed by Larry Hagman. This early fascination with the oil and gas industry led him to pay tribute to Hagman during his training sessions. This tradition included sharing personal photographs after meeting Hagman, before his passing. He is a supporter of the new television show "Landman" and is convinced it will inspire the next generation of oil & gas landman and agents which he is ready to teach.

Throughout his career, Mr. Valden has attributed his success to dedication and inspiration drawn from others. He remains committed to inspiring young professionals and adapting to technological advancements within the industry.

Born in Los Angeles, raised in Fort Worth, Texas since he was 6 years old, Mr. Valden is devoted to his family, serving as a father to four daughters and one son, and a grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson. Outside of work, he enjoys visiting wineries, traveling, following lacrosse and spending quality time with his young son.

Looking ahead, Mr. Valden aims to continue teaching future oil and gas and alternative energy professionals by sharing practical knowledge gained from firsthand field experience. He emphasizes the enduring importance of oil in daily life despite advances in renewable energy sources and seeks to inspire new entrants to join—and remain—in the industry.

Mr. Valden's legacy is defined by entrepreneurial achievement, educational leadership and an unwavering commitment to advancing standards within oil and gas right-of-way acquisition and land survey services while nurturing future generations of professionals.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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