Blackbird Energy Inc. Announces the Appointment of Karen Minton as Chief Financial Officer

CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX-V:BBI) Blackbird Energy Inc. (“Blackbird” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Minton as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective immediately.

“I am delighted to have Karen join the Blackbird team and look forward to working with her. Karen joins us at an exciting time for our Company, and I am grateful we were able add someone of her character, experience and intelligence to oversee critical steps in Blackbird’s growth, including finalizing significant gas handling agreements and securing non-dilutive funding as the Company transitions to full development. She has a strong background in corporate reporting, strategic planning and business analysis and I believe Karen’s enthusiasm and leadership will be an energizing force for our team going forward,” says Garth Braun, President and CEO.

Ms. Minton has more than 17 years of experience in senior financial roles in both the oil and gas as well as alternative energy industries. Prior to her appointment as Chief Financial Officer at Blackbird, Ms. Minton was Chief Financial Officer of Lighthouse Oil & Gas. Previously she was Corporate Controller of Equal Energy Ltd.; Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Dynetek Industries Ltd. Ms. Minton obtained her Chartered Accountant designation in 1993 and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary.

In connection with her appointment, Ms. Minton has been granted 1,000,000 stock options exercisable at a price of $0.375 until October 19, 2022 pursuant to the terms of the Company’s stock option plan.  The options will vest in three equal installments. The first 1/3 shall vest upon grant, the second 1/3 will vest on the first anniversary of the grant, and the final 1/3 will vest on the second anniversary of the grant. This stock option grant is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

In order to allow for the appointment of Ms. Minton, Mr. Ron Schmitz will step down as Blackbird’s Interim Chief Financial Officer and will continue to serve on Blackbird’s Board of Directors. Mr. Braun highlighted, “I wish to thank Ron Schmitz for the strong contributions he has made as interim CFO. We will continue to benefit from Ron’s invaluable guidance, as he will remain on Blackbird’s Board of Directors.”

About Blackbird

Blackbird Energy Inc. is a highly innovative oil and gas exploration and development company focused on the condensate and liquids-rich Montney fairway at Pipestone, near Grande Prairie, Alberta.