Gulfport Energy Corporation Announces Management Additions

OKLAHOMA CITY, Dec. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gulfport Energy Corporation (Nasdaq:GPOR) today announced an expansion to its management team.

Expansion to Management Team

In September 2013, the company appointed J. Ross Kirtley as Chief Operating Officer for its Ohio activities. Prior to joining Gulfport, Mr. Kirtley was previously with Sandridge Energy, Inc. ("Sandridge"), serving as Vice President of Services for Sandridge and President of Lariat Services, Inc., Hondo Heavy Haul, Inc, and Chapparal Supply LLC, wholly owned subsidiaries of Sandridge. In addition, prior to joining Sandridge, Mr. Kirtley served as Business Manager for NOMAC Drilling, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation ("Chesapeake"). Mr. Kirtley graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1977.

In November 2013, the company appointed Robert A. Jones as Vice President of Drilling for its Ohio activities. Prior to joining Gulfport, Mr. Jones was previously with Chesapeake, serving most recently as Drilling Engineering Manager for the Haynesville, Barnett and Eagle Ford. Prior to this role, during his time at Chesapeake, Mr. Jones served in roles of District Manager for the Permian Basin and Senior Drilling Engineer for operations across Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Mr. Jones graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1985.

In November 2013, the company appointed Mark R. Malone as Vice President of Operations for its Ohio activities. Prior to joining Gulfport, Mr. Malone was previously with Sierra Engineering, serving as Engineering Manager. In addition, prior to joining Sierra Engineering, Mr. Malone served as Senior Asset Manager for the Marcellus Shale at Chesapeake. Mr. Malone graduated from Texas Tech University in 1987.

In December 2013, the company appointed Ty Peck as Managing Director of Midstream Operations. Prior to joining Gulfport, Mr. Peck was previously with Access Midstream Partners ("Access"), serving most recently as the Director of Commercial Services. In addition, prior to joining Access, Mr. Peck served as Producer Services Manager at Enogex LLC. Mr. Peck graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2000 and holds a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

James Palm, Gulfport's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The Utica Shale provides a huge opportunity for our company and these new team members will augment our ability to capitalize and execute our plans. These individuals will make significant contributions to the growth and success of the company."

About Gulfport

Gulfport Energy Corporation is an Oklahoma City-based independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company with its principal producing properties located in the Utica Shale of Eastern Ohio and along the Louisiana Gulf Coast. In addition, Gulfport holds a sizeable acreage position in the Alberta Oil Sands in Canada through its 24.9% interest in Grizzly Oil Sands ULC, an equity interest in Diamondback Energy Inc., a NASDAQ Global Select Market listed company, and has an interest in an entity that operates in Southeast Asia, including the Phu Horm gas field in Thailand.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Gulfport expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), business strategy and measures to implement strategy, competitive strength, goals, expansion and growth of Gulfport's business and operations, plans, market conditions, references to future success, reference to intentions as to future matters and other such matters are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Gulfport in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with Gulfport's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, general economic, market, credit or business conditions; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by Gulfport; competitive actions by other oil and gas companies; changes in laws or regulations; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Gulfport. Information concerning these and other factors can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurances that the actual results or developments anticipated by Gulfport will be realized, or even if realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on Gulfport, its business or operations. Gulfport has no intention, and disclaims any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.

CONTACT: Investor Contacts:
         Paul K. Heerwagen IV
         Director, Investor Relations
         pheerwagen@gulfportenergy.com
         405-242-4888

         Jessica R. Wills
         Associate Director, Investor Relations
         jwills@gulfportenergy.com
         405-242-4421

Released December 10, 2013