On March 4, 2016, Empire Petroleum Corporation appointed Shawn Fleming as its Vice President of Business Development, and Richard A. Parker, PhD, as its Director of Exploration. Mr. Fleming, age 35, began his career with the U.S. Navy and served with the Navy and U.S. Department of State providing intelligence and operational support in counter-terrorism operations. As a Special Warfare Operator/Master at Arms and Lead Petty Officer, Mr. Fleming was directly responsible for over 130 successful missions and over 367 personnel in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dr. Parker has 40 years in the oil and gas industry, in various geological and geophysical positions ranging from research and regional studies to prospect generation and development.