Empire Petroleum Corp. said on Dec. 28 that it has named energy investment banker Thomas Pritchard as CEO.

In addition, the company entered into a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire oil and gas properties in North Louisiana comprised of 14,000 gross developed and undeveloped acres and 70 gross wells currently producing approximately 500 gross barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Empire expects to own an average of 95% working interest in the properties and serve as operator.