Who We Are

Chief Executive Officer

Paul Rudnicki

20+ years of transactional and leadership expertise in the energy sector, with transactions exceeding $16 billion.

At EXCO Resources Inc. from 2000 - 2012, he had a leadership role as part of the executive management team growing assets from $100 million to more than $12 billion, focusing on North American natural gas. As VP of Finance, Paul facilitated multi-billion-dollar joint ventures with BG Group, plc, pioneering development in the Haynesville and Marcellus shales. As CFO of Thompson Petroleum from 2012 - 2017, he propelled the company into a top Wolfcamp shale developer, culminating in a record sale to Occidental Petroleum Corporation in 2016. Since 2018, Paul has managed Ripple Capital Partners, holding an MSA and BBA from Southern Methodist University.

Chief Operating Officer

Mel Sorrell

26+ years of experience in optimizing underdeveloped resources.

As a founding member of Covey Park Energy, Mel served as Vice President of Operations, overseeing all phases of drilling, completions, and production operations. Post-Covey Park's sale in 2019, Mel led IKAV-Energy during the acquisition of BP’s San Juan assets. Formerly, he managed technical teams at EXCO Resources, Inc., focusing on Permian, Marcellus, and Haynesville shale assets. Mel also optimized well completions at Winchester Production Company, reducing unitdevelopment costs significantly. With a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University, Mel is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Chief Financial Officer

Konrad Rudnicki

25+ years of oil and gas finance and executive expertise, managing domestic and global billion-dollar projects.

At Hunt Oil Company (HOC) from 2008 - 2020, he held key roles including Hunt Energy Horizons Business Development Manager, HOC Director of Strategic Planning, PERU LNG Commercial Director (4.2 mmtpa), HOC Middle East Region Vice President and served as a Board Member at both Yemen LNG (6.7 mmtpa) and Peru Camisea Consortium (13.4 TCF and 0.5B liquids reserves). Previously, Konrad held positions at Encana Corporation and Triton Energy. Since 2020, he's served as CFO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center and Managing Director of Lakewood Capital Partners LLC. Konrad holds an MBA and B.B.A. from Southern Methodist University.

Director of Business Development

Aaron Ortega

25+ years of O&G industry experience, excelling as a business development professional focusing on geology, engineering, operations, and technology.

As VP of Business Development and Geology at Saddle Operating, LLC, he led asset evaluation in the Barnett shale, while also drilling nine successful wells in the heart of Arlington, TX. At Citrus Energy Corporation, he focused on Marcellus Shale A&D as well as operations. At EXCO Resources, Inc., he oversaw 14 rigs during peak Haynesville Shale development. Aaron's career includes roles at Pioneer Natural Resources, Reef Exploration, and Fairway Resources. Aaron is currently EVP of Business Development for Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp. He holds an MBA from Southern Methodist University and a BA from Duke University.

Director of Capital Markets

Mike Messmer

22+ years of experience in financial services, specializing in trading and analyzing credit securities, and managing hedging strategies for interest rates, commodities, and currencies.

As VP and Senior Trader at Franklin Resources, Inc., he managed a portfolio exceeding $100 billion with a focus on emerging market debt. Mike founded Raymundo Capital LLC in 2021, focusing on alternative investments in real estate and venture capital. He's also a partner at 4M Partners LLP, his family investment firm. Mike holds a B.S. from Southern Methodist University.