---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001654954-26-008485"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "PED"
cik: "0001141197"
company_name: "PEDEVCO CORP"
filed_at: "2026-09-21T12:16:21+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-09-21T12:20:09.808479+00:00"
event_type: "leadership"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.7
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.7
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# PEDEVCO CEO Schick steps down; COO Dukes named interim CEO

## Summary
- J. Douglas Schick ceases as President/CEO and director effective Sept 21, 2026.
- COO R.T. Dukes appointed interim President/CEO; will serve until further notice.
- Schick stays as Senior Advisor through Dec 31, 2026 under separation agreement.
- Separation includes 2.5x salary+bonus, 30-month COBRA, accelerated vesting, $255K bonus.
- Transition not due to disagreement; Dukes has 20+ years oil & gas experience.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001654954-26-008485
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: PED
- cik: 0001141197
- company_name: PEDEVCO CORP
- filed_at: 2026-09-21T12:16:21+00:00
- event_type: leadership
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.7
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.7
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 5.02, 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1141197/000165495426008485/0001654954-26-008485-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1141197/000165495426008485/ped_8k.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001654954-26-008485
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001654954-26-008485.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001654954-26-008485.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.