Empire Petroleum Corp. announced May 3 that two new roles have been filled within the company: Stephen L. Faulkner has been promoted to CFO, and J. Kevin Vann has become an independent director with the company’s board, according to a press release.

“I look forward to expanding my role with the company and appreciate the support and confidence of the leadership team and board of directors,” Faulkner said.

Vann said he’s worked closely with Empire’s leadership team and board to execute on development plans “to exploit the opportunities afforded by our asset base located in key prolific producing regions across the U.S.”

Both appointments were effective April 28.

Both Faulkner and Vann were part of the operational team of WPX Energy Inc. prior to its merger with Devon Energy Corp. in 2021. Empire Petroleum is an oil and gas company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with producing assets in a number of states, including Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Montana and New Mexico.