U.S. Energy Taps Veteran Counsel to Navigate Growth and Regulation

FORT WORTH, Texas – March 31, 2026 – U.S. Energy Development Corporation, a prominent Fort Worth-based exploration and production company, today announced it has promoted Aaron Thesman to the role of General Counsel. The move elevates a seasoned legal executive to steer the firm's legal and compliance strategies during a period of disciplined expansion and increasing industry complexity.

Thesman, who joined the private E&P firm in 2022 as Associate General Counsel, has been instrumental in the company’s recent activities. His promotion is seen as a strategic step to fortify the company's leadership as it navigates a dynamic energy market.

"Aaron has been an integral part of our leadership team and a trusted advisor as we continue to scale the business, and this promotion is a direct reflection of the results he's delivered and the trust he's earned across the organization," said Jordan Jayson, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Energy, in a statement. "His deep experience across upstream and midstream transactions, combined with his strategic mindset and steady leadership, make him exceptionally well-suited to serve as our General Counsel."

In his new capacity, Thesman will assume leadership of the company's comprehensive legal strategy, oversee complex transactions, manage relationships with outside counsel, and serve as the primary legal advisor to the Board of Directors and executive leadership on all legal and compliance matters.

A Strategic Appointment for a Growing Firm

Thesman's promotion comes at a pivotal time for U.S. Energy. Since its founding in 1980, the company has established a significant footprint, having invested in, operated, or drilled approximately 4,000 wells across 13 states and Canada. With over $4 billion deployed on behalf of itself and its partners, the firm has maintained a consistent growth trajectory. This growth has been particularly evident since 2022, marked by strategic acquisitions and the formation of key partnerships to expand its asset base, especially in prolific regions like the Permian Basin.

This focus on expansion underscores the critical need for robust legal oversight. The modern E&P landscape is characterized by intricate transactional activity, from asset acquisitions and divestitures to joint ventures and financing arrangements. Thesman’s background, rich with experience in precisely these areas, positions him to guide U.S. Energy through the legal intricacies of its growth initiatives. His promotion from within also suggests a strategy of cultivating and retaining institutional knowledge, ensuring continuity in legal and strategic oversight as the company executes its long-term plans.

"I'm honored to step into the role of General Counsel at such an exciting time for U.S. Energy," Thesman stated. "Our disciplined growth strategy and commitment to high-quality projects continue to create meaningful opportunities for our investors and partners. I look forward to supporting our executive team as we build on this momentum and deliver long-term value."

Navigating the Modern E&P Legal Landscape

The role of a General Counsel in the energy sector of 2026 extends far beyond traditional corporate law. The industry faces a confluence of pressures, including an evolving regulatory environment, intense market consolidation, and increasing demands for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) transparency. For a company like U.S. Energy, which blends operational and financial innovation, navigating these challenges is paramount to sustained success.

Regulatory hurdles are becoming increasingly complex. Stricter federal and state rules on methane emissions require significant investment in monitoring and leak-detection technologies. Concurrently, regulations governing water management—from the disposal of produced water to its recycling and reuse—are tightening, adding layers of compliance and operational complexity. Successfully navigating the permitting process for new drilling and infrastructure projects now requires a proactive and sophisticated legal strategy to mitigate delays and manage costs.

Furthermore, the E&P sector remains a hotbed of mergers and acquisitions. As companies seek to gain scale and optimize their portfolios, legal due diligence has become more rigorous than ever, demanding a deep understanding of potential environmental liabilities, regulatory compliance histories, and ESG-related risks. A seasoned General Counsel is essential not only for executing these transactions but for strategically identifying risks and opportunities that can impact the company’s bottom line and reputation.

A Career Forged in Energy Law and Operations

Thesman brings over 25 years of legal experience to his new role, with a career uniquely tailored to the demands of the E&P industry. Before joining U.S. Energy, he held senior leadership positions at several other exploration and production companies, providing him with a panoramic view of the sector's legal and business challenges.

Notably, his previous roles often combined legal oversight with executive-level land management responsibilities. He served as General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Land at 1849 Energy Partners, Trinity River Energy, and Legend Natural Gas, and also held the General Counsel position at Crimson Energy Partners. This dual expertise in both legal affairs and land operations is a significant asset. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the entire energy asset lifecycle, from the initial mineral rights lease and land acquisition to drilling, production, and eventual divestiture. This integrated perspective is invaluable for a company focused on acquiring and developing physical assets.

His academic and professional credentials further solidify his qualifications. Thesman earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and is admitted to practice in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas—three states at the heart of the U.S. energy industry. His recent completion of the Energy Certificate Program at Texas Christian University's Neeley School of Business in 2025 also demonstrates a commitment to staying current with the evolving business and financial drivers of the energy sector.

Bolstering Governance for Future Opportunities

As a privately held firm responsible for managing billions in capital for itself and its partners, U.S. Energy operates on a foundation of trust and robust governance. The appointment of a General Counsel with Thesman's depth of experience reinforces this commitment. His role will be central to advising the CEO and the Board of Directors, ensuring that the company’s strategic decisions are legally sound and aligned with its long-term objectives and fiduciary responsibilities.

In-house legal leaders at private E&P firms are often described as strategic partners who are deeply embedded in the business. They are tasked with managing a wide array of risks—operational, financial, and reputational—while helping to chart a course for sustainable growth. By placing a trusted, experienced advisor like Thesman at the head of its legal function, U.S. Energy is signaling its dedication to maintaining strong internal controls and sophisticated risk management. This structure is essential for attracting and retaining investment partners and for navigating the opportunities and challenges of the energy market for years to come.