HOUSTON, TX (May 7, 2018) – United Way of Greater Houston named Neil W. Duffin, president of ExxonMobil Production Company, as this year’s recipient of the distinguished Robert W. Kneebone Volunteer of the Year Award at its annual meeting on April 24. The Kneebone Award is the highest honor given to a United Way volunteer in recognition of extraordinary leadership and commitment to community service.
“On behalf of thousands of my fellow volunteers and donors from ExxonMobil, it’s an honor to receive this award from the United Way, which provides extraordinary support for the greater Houston community,” said Duffin. “I’m humbled and grateful to be part of a distinguished group of dedicated individuals who have been recognized with the Kneebone Award”
A long-time United Way donor, Duffin began his volunteer involvement with United Way of Greater Houston chairing the ExxonMobil employee campaign in 2014. Duffin was elected to the United Way Board of Trustees in 2017. During this time, he served on the executive committee, helping guide United Way’s strategy and most recently served as the chair of United Way of Greater Houston’s 2017-2018 Community Campaign.
“Neil is a passionate supporter of the work of United Way and the community we serve,” said Anna M. Babin, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston. “Neil led the United Way Relief Fund, assisting those affected by Hurricane Harvey, and our annual campaign. Under his leadership, more than $120 million was contributed to United Way, the most of any year in United Way’s history. Not only has Neil provided strong leadership and business expertise, he truly believes in our mission to improve lives and build a better, stronger community for all.”
Duffin also serves on the board of directors for the U.S.-Russia Business Council and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Duffin began his career in 1979 and held a variety of positions before becoming senior vice president of Mobil Oil Indonesia in 1998, responsible for exploration and producing operations throughout the country. In 2004, he became vice president, Africa, of ExxonMobil Production Company. He was named president of ExxonMobil Development Company in 2007 and served in that position until January 2017, when he was named president of ExxonMobil Production Company.
Duffin is a native of St. Andrews, Scotland and is a graduate of Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Duffin and his wife Marianne have two children.
About the United Way of Greater Houston
For more than 95 years, United Way of Greater Houston has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives, tackling key community social issues, and making a lasting difference. Last year, United Way of Greater Houston touched the lives of nearly 2 million of our neighbors in the Bay Area and in Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery, and Waller counties. United Way focuses on strengthening our community by developing children and youth to their full potential, creating strong families and safe neighborhoods, sustaining senior independence and rebuilding people’s lives in times of crisis. United Way of Greater Houston is the best way to make the biggest difference in our community. For more information, please visit, http://unitedwayhouston.org.