Edward J. DiPaolo, age 72, has served as a director for Evolution since 2004. He is the Lead Independent Director, Chair of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and a member of our Audit and Compensation Committees. Mr. DiPaolo was a senior energy advisor at Kroll/ Duff & Phelps Securities, LLC from 2011 to 2023. Prior to this, he was an Energy Partner at Growth Capital Partners, L.P. and spent more than 25 years at Halliburton Company in various positions, including senior leadership. He has served on the boards of various public and private companies, including Deep Well Services, Seventy Seven Energy, Inc. and Boots and Coots, Inc., as well as the Advisory Board for West Virginia University College of Engineering. Mr. DiPaolo received his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1976 and an honorary Doctorate Degree from West Virginia University in 2013. Mr. DiPaolo s qualifications include executive leadership, financial acumen, mergers and acquisitions, and energy sector expertise. His extensive leadership in corporate advisory roles and energy services, knowledge of risk management and legal frameworks, as well as his involvement with outside board leadership adds a multidimensional perspective to the Board and enhances Evolution s strategic direction and governance, making him well-suited to serve as Lead Independent Director.