Our strength lies in our leadership. From our extensive technical knowledge to deep geologic know-how and a broad understanding of operational efficiencies, the Novo team boasts a wide range of multi-basin exploration and development experience.
Leadership
John Zimmerman
John is a co-founder of Novo II. He served as Chief Financial Officer and co-founder at Novo I. Prior to Novo I and II, John held executive and management positions at PayRock Energy I, Chapparal Energy, Chesapeake Energy and Chesapeake Midstream. He earned his Master of Science in accounting and Bachelor of Science in business and finance from the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University.
Brandon Patrick
Brandon is a co-founder of Novo II. He served as Vice President – Land at Novo I. Brandon previously held positions at Devon Energy. He earned his Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University and Bachelor of Business Administration in energy management and finance from the University of Oklahoma.
David Avery
David is a co-founder of Novo II. He served as Vice President - Finance at Novo I. He previously held positions at PayRock Energy I and Chesapeake Midstream. David earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Oklahoma.
Kurt Shipley
Kurt is a co-founder of Novo II. He served as Chief Operating Officer at Novo I. Prior to Novo I, Kurt held positions at American Energy Partners, Chesapeake Energy, and Burlington Resources/ConocoPhillips. He earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University.
Zach Everman
Zach is a co-founder of Novo II. He served as Reservoir Manager at Novo I. Zach previously held positions at PayRock Energy I. He earned his Bachelor of Science in petroleum engineering and chemical engineering from the University of Oklahoma.
Michael Hale
Michael is a co-founder of Novo II. He served as Vice President – Exploration at Novo I. He previously held positions at Ascent Resources, SandRidge Energy and Fronterra Resources. He earned his Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in geology from East Carolina University.
Peter Schmidt
Before joining Novo II, Peter served as a Senior Landman at Novo I. He previously held positions at Chesapeake Energy and Devon Energy. Peter earned his Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University and Bachelor of Business Administration in energy management and finance from the University of Oklahoma.
Jeff Vestring
Before joining Novo II, Jeff served as Controller at Novo I. He previously held positions at Native Exploration Holdings and Grant Thornton. He earned his Master of Accountancy and Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the University of Oklahoma. Jeff is a licensed certified public accountant (CPA).
Justin Carter
Before joining Novo II, Justin served as a Senior Landman at Novo I. He previously held positions at Devon Energy and at Walker, Harris & Wolf. He earned his Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University, Master of Science in energy management from Oklahoma City University, and Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Utah State University.
Tyler Eckert
Prior to joining Novo II, Tyler served as Senior Business Intelligence Analyst at Novo I. He previously held positions at Contango, American Energy Partners and Chesapeake Energy. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Oklahoma State University.
Kaitlyn Smith
Prior to joining Novo II, Kaitlyn served as Reservoir Engineer at Novo I. She previously held positions at Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission for the State of Oklahoma. She earned her Bachelor of Science in petroleum engineering from the University of Oklahoma.
Nathan Stroble
Prior to joining Novo II, Nathan served as Senior Land Analyst at Novo I. He previously held positions at Heritage Resources Management, American Energy Partners and Devon Energy. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Oklahoma.