The Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) has named Todd Staples as its new president. Currently serving as Texas commissioner of agriculture, Staples will replace Rob Looney who is retiring at the end of 2014 after 26 years with the association. Staples was selected following a national search. “Innovations and investments by TXOGA’s 5,500 members are transforming the Lone Star State, creating jobs and providing opportunities for all Texans,” Staples said. “It will be my honor and privilege to work with this dynamic industry at a time when Texas energy production is anchoring our state’s economy and bolstering our nation’s energy security. The world is watching as Texas cements its place as a global leader in the energy arena.” Staples previously served as a Texas state senator, a state representative and as mayor pro tem of his local city council in Palestine, TX. He graduated with honors from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural economics.

Jack Stark, who joined Continental Resources Inc. in 1992, has been appointed president and COO. Stark, who has served as senior vice president of exploration since 1998, replaces Rick Bott (see Shale Daily, Sept. 12). “Jack is a great team leader whose geological contributions have been a key component of Continental’s success over the past 22 years,” said CEO Harold Hamm. Stark is a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association, Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, Houston Geological Society and Oklahoma Geological Society. He holds a master’s degree in geology from Colorado State University.