Michael Tantillo serves as Chief of Staff to the COO in the Operating department at Phoenix Energy, bringing 10 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Petroleum Engineering from Oklahoma State University, as well as an MBA from the University of Oklahoma. Michael began his career at Ascent Resources, where he spent two years working in the field in Ohio before transitioning into a Reservoir Engineering role supporting development in the Utica Shale. Most recently, he served as a Senior Reservoir Engineer at Anschutz Exploration, working across assets in the Powder River, Uinta, and Piceance Basins. His expertise spans development planning, reservoir management, reserves evaluation, economic analysis, and subsurface risk assessment in unconventional assets.
Michael is driven by the intersection of technical depth and organizational impact—integrating subsurface and operations insights to guide development decisions, optimize recovery, and maximize asset value. He is energized by working alongside highly motivated teams in environments of accountability where technical decisions directly shape performance. His career aspiration is to grow into a leadership role where he can guide technical teams, influence company strategy, and deliver high-impact, value-driven decisions. At Phoenix Energy, he aims to bring a high level of ownership, energy, and execution—translating subsurface and development concepts into actions that improve field performance and create lasting value.
Originally from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Michael takes pride in how he structures his time and priorities—whether in fitness, relationships, or personal commitments—a discipline that keeps him grounded and consistent across all areas of his life. Outside of work, he is an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Avalanche.