Empire Petroleum Corporation announced that Thomas W. Pritchard resigned as a director of Empire Petroleum Corporation (the “Company”) to pursue other opportunities. Although not required under Mr. Pritchard's Employment Agreement with the Company, in recognition of Mr. Pritchard's past service to the Company, the Company will pay Mr. Pritchard severance benefits in the amount of $361,053.40, as set forth in Section 4.2 of his Employment Agreement, in one lump sum payment within 30 days after March 23, 2023, rather than in monthly installments, provided he does not revoke his release provided to the Company in connection with his resignation on or before March 23, 2023.