HOUSTON -- Independence Contract Drilling on Jan. 23 announced that Matthew Fitzgerald has joined its Board of Directors and will also serve as Chairman of its Audit Committee.

Fitzgerald currently serves on the Board and as Audit Committee Chairman for Rosetta Resources, Inc. Fitzgerald previously served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Grant Prideco, Inc., Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Veritas DGC, and as Vice President and Controller of BJ Services Company.

Tom Bates, Chairman of the Board of Independence, said, "The Independence Board joins me in welcoming Matt to our team. Matt's accomplished energy background will provide valuable insight and guidance as we implement our growth strategy and move forward in our plans to become a publicly traded company."