Leadership team.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

John “Austin” Akers, a Denver native, has worked in the oil and gas business since he was 15 years old. Prior to founding Bison in 2015, Austin co-founded and served as Vice President of Land at LOGOS Resources, LLC.. Mr. Akers began his career as a field landman throughout the Rockies. During his career Austin has founded numerous companies in the oil and gas space including Buffalo Royalties, LLC and Warner-Caldwell Investments, LLC. In addition, Mr. Akers currently sits on the board of Taproot Rockies Midstream, LLC and Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation Executive Board.

Austin graduated with a degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Jesse Irvin has held various roles in the financial and oil and gas sectors for over 15 years. Prior to joining Bison, Jesse served as Senior FP&A Analyst for Jonah Energy, LLC

Prior to Jonah, Jesse was an oil and gas analyst with Petrie Partners in Denver, CO and Houston, TX.

Jesse received a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Denver on top of a Bachelors in Finances from Virginia Tech.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Charles (Chuck) Ohlson, P.E., has over 25 year of experience spanning drilling, completions, production, and operations. Prior to Bison Chuck has held numerous positions including most recently as Vice President of Drilling and Completions at INEOS Energy. Prior to INEOS, Chuck was Senior Vice President of Production at Chord Energy and Vice President of Operations at Whiting Petroleum Corporation,

Chuck holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from Montana Tech and has co-authored several technical publications, including notable contributions to the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

CHIEF EXPLORATION OFFICER

Matthew Owens joined Bison in 2026 after serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Alameda Mineral Advisors since 2023. Mr. Owens served as Chief Operating Officer for Civitas Resources from 2021 to 2023. Prior to that, Mr. Owens was a founder of Extraction Oil & Gas and, from 2013 through 2021, served in various executive positions, including Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief Operating Officer as well as director. Prior to that, he worked in engineering roles at Gasco Energy and PDC Energy. Mr. Owens holds a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.tion goes here

EVP and GENERAL COUNSEL

Chris Humber has held various leadership and legal roles in the oil and gas business for over two decades. Prior to Bison, Chris was General Counsel of Bonanza Creek Energy, Jagged Peak Energy, Sundance Energy and Vitesse Energy.  Prior to those positions, he was a practicing attorney focusing on mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance for public and private companies with the law firms Arnold & Porter, Hogan Lovells and Kendall, Koenig & Oelsner. 

Chris holds a J.D. from Emory University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. 

EVP of EXPLORATION & GEOSCIENCE

Ian Hogan, a co-founder of Bison II and all Bison entities since, has held numerous geoscience related positions for 15 years. Prior to Bison, Ian worked in both exploration and development roles at Fidelity Exploration and Production Company.

Ian graduated from U.C. Santa Barbara where he earned his Bachelors of Science and Colorado State University where he earned his Masters of Science.

EVP of EXECUTION & SPECIAL PROJECTS

Robert Pierini, a co-founder of Bison II and all Bison entities since, has held oil and gas land related roles for nearly a decade and a half. Prior to Bison, Robert worked as a Landman for Fidelity Exploration & Production Company where he managed various assets in multiple states.

Robert holds a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Colorado.