Prairie Operating Co. Bolsters Leadership with Key Appointments

Prairie Operating Co. (Nasdaq: PROP) has strengthened its executive management team with the addition of four seasoned industry leaders, positioning the company for growth and success in the Denver Julesburg (DJ) Basin. The new appointments, announced on January 16, 2025, include Gregory S. Patton, Lou Basenese, Tim Smith, and Steve R. Stacy, who will serve as Executive Vice President of Commercial Development, Executive Vice President of Market Strategy, Senior Vice President of Reservoir Engineering, and Senior Vice President of Land, respectively.

Gregory S. Patton brings over 15 years of experience in oil and gas operations, with a focus on M&A, public debt and equity offerings, midstream, and implementation of cutting-edge technologies. His expertise will be instrumental in driving development and efficiencies for Prairie, particularly in the DJ Basin. Patton's experience at Great Western Petroleum in the DJ Basin will be invaluable in growing drilling inventory and improving resource recovery.

Lou Basenese, with 25 years of experience in financial management, strategic planning, and thought leadership development, will manage Prairie's promotional initiatives, marketing campaign strategy, and liaise with mainstream and alternative media outlets. Basenese's success in leading financial initiatives for publicly listed companies and working with national media organizations will help Prairie enhance its media visibility and awareness.

Tim Smith, with deep technical expertise in geology and reservoir engineering, will lead Prairie's exploration and reserves efforts, focusing on unlocking value in the DJ Basin and other strategic regions. Smith's experience in private-equity backed E&P ventures provides valuable skills to Prairie as the company continues to expand its presence in the DJ Basin.

Steve R. Stacy, with over 34 years of experience in land management and negotiations, will oversee land acquisition, a robust leasing program, permitting, and planning initiatives. Stacy's familiarity with stakeholder relationships will support Prairie's operational goals while ensuring responsible and sustainable land use practices.

Prairie's expanded management team brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will be essential in addressing the challenges of responsible energy development and sustainability. Their combined knowledge in commercial development, market strategy, reservoir engineering, and land management will enable the company to execute its strategy and deliver shareholder value while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

Edward Kovalik, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Prairie Operating Co., expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointments: "The addition of these accomplished executives to our leadership team reflects our dedication to building a world-class organization. Their expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we execute our strategy and deliver shareholder value."

With the addition of these four key executives, Prairie Operating Co. is well-positioned to drive growth and operational efficiency in the DJ Basin, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible energy development and sustainability.