Who We Are
Producing abundant, affordable, reliable, versatile energy.
Geopetro holds a substantial acreage position in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, with significant development potential in both the Utica and Marcellus-Burket Shales.
The company originally focused on conventional oil and gas exploration in the Knox Unconformity Play of central and eastern Ohio. Geopetro successfully drilled and produced oil and gas wells in Ohio and participated as a non-operator in joint venture drilling programs with respected industry partners in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Michigan – a strategic approach that continues to be an important part of our operations to this day.
In 2016 Geopetro shifted focus from Conventional oil and gas production to the Unconventional Shale Plays, beginning with an acquisition of producing properties in Pennsylvania. This proved to be successful and led to several additional Unconventional Shale well purchases in Ohio and Pennsylvania, which represent the majority of the company’s reserves today. Acquisitions have long been an integral part of Geopetro’s growth strategy, and the company continues to pursue selective opportunities that align with its operational strengths and long-term objectives.
Meet the Team
Paul L. Archer
Managing Member & CEO-
Paul Archer is a founding partner of Geopetro and its Managing Member. Mr. Archer has over 40 years of executive and entrepreneurial experience in the upstream oil and gas business. Mr. Archer began his career with TRW Energy Systems, in Morgantown, WV, working on Devonian Shale, Coalbed Methane, and Tight Gas Sand projects. He worked as a Geologist and Project Manager for Battelle Memorial Research Laboratories in Columbus, OH prior to establishing Geopetro LLC in 1988. Mr. Archer has focused on oil and gas exploration (primarily targeting the Knox Unconformity in Ohio), joint venture opportunities and PDP acquisitions throughout his career.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Geosciences from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s degree in Geology from Texas A & M University. He also completed graduate level studies in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Texas. He is a long-time member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Ohio Geological Society and the Ohio Oil & Gas Association.
Andrew K. Stafford
Member & CFO-
Andrew Stafford joined Geopetro in 2008 and currently serves as its CFO. Mr. Stafford has more than 15 years of oil and gas accounting experience and over 20 years of experience in varying accounting and operational roles. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day financial-related activities of the company, he participates with other Members of Geopetro’s Management Team in areas of strategy, M&A activities, business development opportunities, and overall company administration.
Mr. Stafford holds a Bachelor’s degree from Cedarville University. He is a member of the Ohio Geological Society, and the Ohio Oil and Gas Association.
Eric W. Brown
COO-
Eric Brown is Geopetro’s Chief Operating Officer and responsible for drilling and well operations. He has worked for Geopetro since 2017. Mr. Brown began his career at Edco Drilling & Producing, Inc. (Morrow County, Ohio), where he was Vice President until 1999. Mr. Brown left Edco to form Ramah Oil Company, LLC and to operate Trempealeau oil wells and saltwater injection wells in Morrow County. Mr. Brown sold his well operations in 2006. Prior to joining Geopetro LLC, he worked for Knox Energy as an Exploration Geologist and consulted for several companies exploring for and drilling Knox Unconformity wells in Ohio.
Mr. Brown has a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Vanderbilt University, and 42 years of experience in oil and gas operations. He is a member of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association and the Ohio Geological Society.
Adam R. Reiss
Director of Resource
Planning & Development-
Adam Reiss is a petroleum engineer and energy professional with nearly a decade of experience in oil and gas operations, asset development, and strategic planning. Since 2017, he has held key technical and leadership roles at Geopetro LLC, where he currently serves as Director of Resource Planning and Development. In this role, Mr. Reiss is responsible for evaluating and executing acquisitions and divestitures, identifying investment opportunities, and helping guide the company’s long-term asset development and growth strategy.
Prior to joining Geopetro, Adam began his career as a Field Engineer with Halliburton, where he managed hydraulic fracturing operations throughout the Appalachian Basin.
Mr. Reiss holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering, with a minor in Energy Systems Engineering, from Marietta College. He is an active member of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association and brings a strong blend of technical expertise, operational leadership, and strategic business insight to his work in the oil and gas industry.
Andy M. Iezzi
Engineering Manager-
Andy has over twenty-five years of oil and gas experience covering most industry aspects. He has worked as a Petroleum Engineer in the Upstream Sector of the industry where he has made economic evaluations of geologic prospects, developed drilling and completion plans, and monitored production for conventional and unconventional wells. In addition, he has experience in facilities and pipeline construction covering both the Upstream and Midstream Sectors of the industry.
Andy has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (Petroleum Option) and a Master of Science in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
