Mr. Vela was appointed Senior Vice President and General Counsel in 2023. Mr. Vela previously served in various capacities at Coterra and Cimarex Energy Co. beginning in 2005, including Vice President – General Counsel, Vice President – Assistant General Counsel, Chief Litigation Counsel and Corporate Counsel. Mr. Vela is a member of the Texas, Colorado, American, and Houston Hispanic Bar associations, as well as the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law.

He is a graduate of Wabash College and received his J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.