Gastar Exploration Ltd. announced that Mr. Robert D. Penner has been appointed as a Director of the Company, replacing Mr. Richard Kapuscinski. Mr. Penner is a retired senior partner with KPMG whose career of advising public and private clients on tax and accounting matters has spanned almost 40 years.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Corridor Resources Ltd., Storm Cat Energy Corporation, Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd. and Terra Energy Corp as well as serving on the Board or as Executor/Trustee for several private companies and family trusts. Mr. Kapuscinski resigned from Gastar's Board in order to free additional time for family matters. There was no disagreement or dispute between Mr. Kapuscinski and the Company that led to the resignation from the Board of Directors.

J. Russell Porter, Gastar's President & CEO, stated, "We are very pleased that Mr. Penner has chosen to join Gastar's Board of Directors. Mr. Penner is a well respected and sought after advisor, and his financial expertise and broad experience will complement and strengthen Gastar's Board of Directors. Mr. Penner will serve on the Audit, Corporate Governance and Remuneration Committees of the Board of Directors. Gastar would like to thank Richard Kapuscinski for his service to the Board and shareholders of Gastar. Richard has been an enthusiastic and active Board member, and his expertise in the power industry has provided insights helpful in exploiting our assets."