content: <HTML><HEAD>
  <TITLE>S-8</TITLE>
  </HEAD>
   <BODY BGCOLOR="WHITE" STYLE="line-height:Normal">
  
  <Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2024 </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="right"><B>Registration <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;333-&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;&#8195;</FONT> </B></P>
  <P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
  <P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>UNITED STATES </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549 </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
  <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>FORM <FONT
  STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT> </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><I>UNDER </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><I>THE
  SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 </I></B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:24pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Vital Energy, Inc. </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
  <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">
  
  
  <TR>
  
  <TD WIDTH="50%"></TD>
  
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="48%"></TD></TR>
  
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>Delaware</B></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">45-3007926</FONT></B></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(State or other jurisdiction of</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>incorporation or organization)</B></P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>Identification No.)</B></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>521 E. Second Street, Suite 1000</B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Tulsa, Oklahoma</B></P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><B>74120</B></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</B></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>(Zip Code)</B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>VITAL ENERGY, INC. </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Full title of the plan) </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Mark D. Denny </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Executive
  Vice President &#150; General Counsel&nbsp;&amp; Secretary </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Vital Energy, Inc. </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>521 E. Second Street, Suite 1000 </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120 </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Name and address of agent for service) </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(918) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">513-4570</FONT> </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><I>Copy to: </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Thomas
  G. Zentner </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Jackson A. O&#146;Maley </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Vinson&nbsp;&amp; Elkins L.L.P. </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>200 West 6<SUP STYLE="font-size:75%; vertical-align:top">th</SUP> Street </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Suite 2500 </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Austin, Texas
  78707 </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(512) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">542-8400</FONT></B></P>
  <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
  <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-accelerated</FONT> filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of &#147;large accelerated filer,&#148; &#147;accelerated filer&#148; and &#147;smaller reporting company&#148; in Rule <FONT
  STYLE="white-space:nowrap">12b-2</FONT> of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#147;Exchange Act&#148;). </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">
  
  
  <TR>
  
  <TD WIDTH="17%"></TD>
  
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="57%"></TD>
  
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="21%"></TD>
  
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="2%"></TD></TR>
  
  
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">Large&nbsp;accelerated&nbsp;filer</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&#9746;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">Accelerated&nbsp;filer</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&#9744;</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">Non-accelerated filer</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&#9744;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">Smaller&nbsp;reporting&nbsp;company</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&#9744;</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">Emerging&nbsp;growth&nbsp;company</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&#9744;</TD></TR>
  </TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended
  transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section&nbsp;7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;).&#8194;&#9744; </P>
  <P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
  <P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
  </DIV></Center>
  
  
  <p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
  <HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
  
  <Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>EXPLANATORY NOTE </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This Registration Statement on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT> (this &#147;Registration Statement&#148;) is being filed for
  the purpose of registering the offer and sale of an additional 990,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (&#147;Common Stock&#148;), of Vital Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the &#147;Registrant&#148;), that may be issued under
  the Vital Energy, Inc. Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the &#147;Plan&#148;) pursuant to the Amended and Restated Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan effective as of May&nbsp;23, 2024 (the &#147;Amended Plan&#148;), which
  Common Stock consists of shares that are reserved and available for delivery with respect to awards under the Plan and additional shares that have or may again become available for delivery with respect to awards under the Plan pursuant to the share
  counting, share recycling and other terms and conditions of the Plan. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Pursuant to General Instruction E to Form <FONT
  STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8,</FONT> the Registrant hereby incorporates by reference into this Registration Statement the contents of the Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT> registration statements previously filed with the Securities
  and Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;) on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1528129/000110465911071753/a11-32345_1s8.htm">December&nbsp;30, 2011</A> (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;
  333-178828),</FONT> <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1528129/000110465916123346/a16-11941_1s8.htm">May&nbsp;25, 2016</A> (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;
  333-211610),</FONT> <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1528129/000110465919030333/a19-10032_1s8.htm">May&nbsp;20, 2019</A> (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;
  333-231593),</FONT> and <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1528129/000110465921071151/tm2117226d1_s8.htm">May&nbsp;24, 2021</A> (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;333-256431).</FONT> The additional shares of Common Stock
  registered pursuant to this Registration Statement were authorized pursuant to the Amended Plan, which was approved by the Registrant&#146;s stockholders at the Registrant&#146;s annual meeting held on May&nbsp;23, 2024. </P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>PART I </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>INFORMATION
  REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The Registrant will provide all participants in the Plan with the document(s) containing the
  information required by Part I of Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8,</FONT> as specified in Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act. In accordance with Rule 428 of the Securities Act, the Registrant has not
  filed such document(s) with the Commission, but such document(s) (along with the documents incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement pursuant to Item 3 of Part II hereof) shall constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of
  Section&nbsp;10(a) of the Securities Act. The Registrant shall maintain a file of such documents in accordance with the provisions of Rule 428(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Upon request, the Registrant shall furnish to the Commission or its staff a
  copy or copies of all of the documents included in such file. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>PART II </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
  <TD WIDTH="9%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&#8201;6.</B></TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left"><B>Indemnification of Directors and Officers. </B></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation limits the liability of our directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary
  duty as directors, except for the following liabilities that cannot be eliminated under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the &#147;DGCL&#148;): </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
  <TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
  <TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">for any breach of their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders; </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
  <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
  <TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
  <TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
  </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
  <TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
  <TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">for an unlawful payment of dividends or an unlawful stock purchase or redemption, as provided under
  Section&nbsp;174 of the DGCL; or </P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
  <TD WIDTH="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
  <TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left" STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Any amendment or repeal of these provisions will be prospective only and would not affect any limitation on liability of a director for acts
  or omissions that occurred prior to any such amendment or repeal. </P>
   <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">2 </P>
  
  </DIV></Center>
  
  
  <p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
  <HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
  
  <Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our fourth amended and restated bylaws also provide that we will indemnify our directors and
  officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law; provided that we shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof)
  was authorized by the board of directors. Our fourth amended and restated bylaws also explicitly authorize us to purchase insurance to protect any of our officers, directors, employees or agents or any person who is or was serving at our request as
  an officer, director, employee or agent of another enterprise for any expense, liability or loss, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit indemnification. </P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We have entered into indemnification agreements with directors and officers. The agreements provide that we will indemnify and hold harmless
  each indemnitee for certain expenses to the fullest extent permitted or authorized by law, including the DGCL, in effect on the date of the agreement or as it may be amended to provide more advantageous rights to the indemnitee. If such
  indemnification is unavailable as a result of a court decision and if we and the indemnitee are jointly liable in the proceeding, we will contribute funds to the indemnitee for his or her expenses in proportion to relative benefit and fault of us
  and indemnitee in the transaction giving rise to the proceeding. The indemnification agreements also provide that we will indemnify the indemnitee for monetary damages for actions taken as our director or officer or for serving at our request as a
  director or officer or another position at another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be. The indemnification agreements and our fourth amended and restated bylaws also provide that we must advance payment of certain expenses to the
  indemnitee, including fees of counsel, subject to receipt of an undertaking from the indemnitee to return such advance if it is it is ultimately determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification. </P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We believe that the limitation of liability provision in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, fourth amended and
  restated bylaws and the indemnification agreements will facilitate our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve as directors and officers. </P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In addition, the terms of the Plan provide for the indemnification of the officers and directors of the Registrant for any claims arising out
  of any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any awards granted thereunder. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
  <TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&#8201;8.</B></TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left"><B>Exhibits. </B></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the Exhibit Index to this Registration Statement, which precedes such exhibits and is
  incorporated herein by reference. </P>
   <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">3 </P>
  
  </DIV></Center>
  
  
  <p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
  <HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
  
  <Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX </B></P>
  <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">
  
  
  <TR>
  
  <TD></TD>
  
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="92%"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"><B>Exhibit<BR>Number</B></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Description</B></P></TD></TR>
  
  
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;&#8199;4.1</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1528129/000152812924000118/exhibit31-secondamendedand.htm">Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vital Energy, Inc., dated as of May&nbsp;
  28, 2024 (incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Current Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;001-35380)</FONT> filed on May&nbsp;28, 2024). </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;&#8199;4.2</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1528129/000152812923000010/exhibit32.htm">Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Vital Energy, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Current Report on Form <FONT
  STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;001-35380)</FONT> filed on January&nbsp;9, 2023).</A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;&#8199;4.3</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1528129/000110465914000671/a14-1333_1ex4d1.htm">Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vital Energy&#146;s Registration Statement on Form <FONT
  STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-A12B/A</FONT> (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;001-35380)</FONT> filed on January&nbsp;7, 2014). </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;&#8199;5.1*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex51.htm">Opinion of Vinson&nbsp;&amp; Elkins L.L.P. </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;23.1*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex231.htm">Consent of Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young L.L.P. </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;23.2*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex232.htm">Consent of Grant Thornton L.L.P. </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;23.3*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex233.htm">Consent of Ryder Scott Company, L.P. </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;23.4*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex234.htm">Consent of Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. with respect to Driftwood annual consolidated financial statements. </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;23.5*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex235.htm">Consent of Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. with respect to Forge audited annual financial statements. </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;23.6*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex236.htm">Consent of Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. with respect to Henry audited consolidated financial statements. </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;23.7*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex237.htm">Consent of Moss Adams LLP with respect to Maple financial statements. </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;23.8*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex238.htm">Consent of Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP with respect to consolidated financial statements of Tall City. </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;23.9*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex239.htm">Consent of Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche LLP with respect to Point Energy audited annual financial statements. </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;23.10*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex2310.htm">Consent of Netherland, Sewell&nbsp;&amp; Associates, Inc. with respect to Point Energy reserves report. </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;23.11*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dex51.htm">Consent of Vinson&nbsp;&amp; Elkins L.L.P. (included as part of its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1). </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;24.1*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="#sig">Power of Attorney (included as part of the signature pages to this Registration Statement). </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>&#8199;99.1</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1528129/000152812924000118/exhibit101-2024amendedandr.htm">Vital Energy, Inc. Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (amended and restated as of May&nbsp;
  23, 2024), incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Current Report on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;001-35380)</FONT> filed on May&nbsp;28, 2024). </A></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>107.1*</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d896934dexfilingfees.htm">Filing Fee Table </A></TD></TR>
  </TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:11%">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
  <TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">*</TD>
  <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">Filed herewith. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
   <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">4 </P>
  
  </DIV></Center>
  
  
  <p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
  <HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
  
  <Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
   <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="sig"></A>SIGNATURES </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of
  the requirements for filing on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT> and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tulsa, State of Oklahoma, on
  October 1, 2024. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><DIV ALIGN="right">
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="40%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  
  
  <TR>
  
  <TD WIDTH="7%"></TD>
  
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="92%"></TD></TR>
  
  
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3"><B>VITAL ENERGY, INC.</B></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">By:</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE=" BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000">/s/ Jason Pigott</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">Name: Jason Pigott</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">Title: President&nbsp;&amp; Chief Executive Officer</TD></TR>
  </TABLE></DIV> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY </B></P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities
  indicated on October&nbsp;1, 2024, each person whose signature appears below appoints Jason Pigott, Bryan Lemmerman and Mark D. Denny, and each of them, any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as his or her true and lawful <FONT
  STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">attorneys-in-fact</FONT></FONT> and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign
  any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any additional registration statement (including any amendment thereto) for this offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b)
  under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Commission, granting unto said
  <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">attorneys-in-fact</FONT></FONT> and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and
  purposes as he or she might or would do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">attorneys-in-fact</FONT></FONT> and agents or any of them or their or his or her
  substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  
  
  <TR>
  
  <TD WIDTH="38%"></TD>
  
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="59%"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Signature</B></P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Title</B></P></TD></TR>
  
  
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Jason Pigott</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Jason Pigott</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">President and Chief Executive Officer</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">(Principal Executive Officer)</P></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Bryan J. Lemmerman</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Bryan J. Lemmerman</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">(Principal Financial Officer)</P></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Stephen L. Faulkner, Jr.</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Stephen L. Faulkner, Jr.</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">(Principal Accounting Officer)</P></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ William E. Albrecht</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">William E. Albrecht</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Director</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">(Chairman)</P></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ John Driver</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">John Driver</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">Director</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Frances Powell Hawes</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Frances Powell Hawes</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">Director</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Jarvis V. Hollingsworth</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Jarvis V. Hollingsworth</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">Director</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Dr.&nbsp;Craig&nbsp;M. Jarchow</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Dr.&nbsp;Craig&nbsp;M. Jarchow</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">Director</TD></TR></TABLE>
   <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">5 </P>
  
  </DIV></Center>
  
  
  <p style="margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0em; page-break-before:always"> </p>
  <HR SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
  
  <Center><DIV STYLE="width:8.5in" align="left">
  
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  
  
  <TR>
  
  <TD WIDTH="38%"></TD>
  
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
  <TD WIDTH="59%"></TD></TR>
  
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Signature</B></P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Title</B></P></TD></TR>
  
  
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Dr.&nbsp;Shihab Kuran</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Dr.&nbsp;Shihab Kuran</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">Director</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Lisa M. Lambert</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Lisa M. Lambert</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">Director</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Lori A. Lancaster</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Lori A. Lancaster</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">Director</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
  <TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
  <TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
  <TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Edmund P. Segner, III</P>
  <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Edmund P. Segner, III</P></TD>
  <TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
  <TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center">Director</TD></TR>
  </TABLE>
   <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">6 </P>
  
  </DIV></Center>
  
  </BODY></HTML>
metadata_documents: [{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "d896934ds8.htm", "description": "S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 47844}]
metadata_filer: {"company-data": {"conformed-name": "Vital Energy, Inc.", "cik": "0001528129", "assigned-sic": "1311", "organization-name": "01 Energy & Transportation", "irs-number": "453007926", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-282439", "film-number": "241343274"}, "business-address": {"street1": "521 E. SECOND STREET SOUTH", "street2": "SUITE 1000", "city": "TULSA", "state": "OK", "zip": "74120", "phone": "918-513-4570"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "521 E. SECOND STREET SOUTH", "street2": "SUITE 1000", "city": "TULSA", "state": "OK", "zip": "74120"}, "former-company": [{"former-conformed-name": "Laredo Petroleum, Inc.", "date-changed": "20140102"}, {"former-conformed-name": "Laredo Petroleum Holdings, Inc.", "date-changed": "20110816"}]}
text: S-8
  As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2024
  Registration
  No. 333-
  UNITED STATES
  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
  Washington, D.C. 20549
  FORM
  S-8
  REGISTRATION STATEMENT
  UNDER
  THE
  SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
  Vital Energy, Inc.
  (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  Delaware
  45-3007926
  (State or other jurisdiction of
  incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
  Identification No.)
  521 E. Second Street, Suite 1000
  Tulsa, Oklahoma
  74120
  (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  (Zip Code)
  VITAL ENERGY, INC.
  OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
  (Full title of the plan)
  Mark D. Denny
  Executive
  Vice President – General Counsel & Secretary
  Vital Energy, Inc.
  521 E. Second Street, Suite 1000
  Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120
  (Name and address of agent for service)
  (918)
  513-4570
  (Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
  Copy to:
  Thomas
  G. Zentner
  Jackson A. O'Maley
  Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
  200 West 6
  th
  Street
  Suite 2500
  Austin, Texas
  78707
  (512)
  542-8400
  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
  non-accelerated
  filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule
  12b-2
  of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
  Large accelerated filer
  ☒
  Accelerated filer
  ☐
  Non-accelerated filer
  ☐
  Smaller reporting company
  ☐
  Emerging growth company
  ☐
  If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended
  transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). ☐
  EXPLANATORY NOTE
  This Registration Statement on Form
  S-8
  (this "Registration Statement") is being filed for
  the purpose of registering the offer and sale of an additional 990,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), of Vital Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Registrant"), that may be issued under
  the Vital Energy, Inc. Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the "Plan") pursuant to the Amended and Restated Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan effective as of May 23, 2024 (the "Amended Plan"), which
  Common Stock consists of shares that are reserved and available for delivery with respect to awards under the Plan and additional shares that have or may again become available for delivery with respect to awards under the Plan pursuant to the share
  counting, share recycling and other terms and conditions of the Plan.
  Pursuant to General Instruction E to Form
  S-8,
  the Registrant hereby incorporates by reference into this Registration Statement the contents of the Form
  S-8
  registration statements previously filed with the Securities
  and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on
  December 30, 2011
  (File
  No. 
  333-178828),
  May 25, 2016
  (File
  No. 
  333-211610),
  May 20, 2019
  (File
  No. 
  333-231593),
  and
  May 24, 2021
  (File
  No. 333-256431).
  The additional shares of Common Stock
  registered pursuant to this Registration Statement were authorized pursuant to the Amended Plan, which was approved by the Registrant's stockholders at the Registrant's annual meeting held on May 23, 2024.
  PART I
  INFORMATION
  REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS
  The Registrant will provide all participants in the Plan with the document(s) containing the
  information required by Part I of Form
  S-8,
  as specified in Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act. In accordance with Rule 428 of the Securities Act, the Registrant has not
  filed such document(s) with the Commission, but such document(s) (along with the documents incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement pursuant to Item 3 of Part II hereof) shall constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of
  Section 10(a) of the Securities Act. The Registrant shall maintain a file of such documents in accordance with the provisions of Rule 428(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Upon request, the Registrant shall furnish to the Commission or its staff a
  copy or copies of all of the documents included in such file.
  PART II
  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
  Item 6.
  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
  Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation limits the liability of our directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary
  duty as directors, except for the following liabilities that cannot be eliminated under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL"):
  •
  for any breach of their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;
  •
  for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
  •
  for an unlawful payment of dividends or an unlawful stock purchase or redemption, as provided under
  Section 174 of the DGCL; or
  •
  for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
  Any amendment or repeal of these provisions will be prospective only and would not affect any limitation on liability of a director for acts
  or omissions that occurred prior to any such amendment or repeal.
  2
  Our fourth amended and restated bylaws also provide that we will indemnify our directors and
  officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law; provided that we shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof)
  was authorized by the board of directors. Our fourth amended and restated bylaws also explicitly authorize us to purchase insurance to protect any of our officers, directors, employees or agents or any person who is or was serving at our request as
  an officer, director, employee or agent of another enterprise for any expense, liability or loss, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit indemnification.
  We have entered into indemnification agreements with directors and officers. The agreements provide that we will indemnify and hold harmless
  each indemnitee for certain expenses to the fullest extent permitted or authorized by law, including the DGCL, in effect on the date of the agreement or as it may be amended to provide more advantageous rights to the indemnitee. If such
  indemnification is unavailable as a result of a court decision and if we and the indemnitee are jointly liable in the proceeding, we will contribute funds to the indemnitee for his or her expenses in proportion to relative benefit and fault of us
  and indemnitee in the transaction giving rise to the proceeding. The indemnification agreements also provide that we will indemnify the indemnitee for monetary damages for actions taken as our director or officer or for serving at our request as a
  director or officer or another position at another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be. The indemnification agreements and our fourth amended and restated bylaws also provide that we must advance payment of certain expenses to the
  indemnitee, including fees of counsel, subject to receipt of an undertaking from the indemnitee to return such advance if it is it is ultimately determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification.
  We believe that the limitation of liability provision in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, fourth amended and
  restated bylaws and the indemnification agreements will facilitate our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve as directors and officers.
  In addition, the terms of the Plan provide for the indemnification of the officers and directors of the Registrant for any claims arising out
  of any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any awards granted thereunder.
  Item 8.
  Exhibits.
  The exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the Exhibit Index to this Registration Statement, which precedes such exhibits and is
  incorporated herein by reference.
  3
  EXHIBIT INDEX
  Exhibit
  Number
  Description
  4.1
  Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vital Energy, Inc., dated as of May 
  28, 2024 (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form
  8-K
  (File
  No. 001-35380)
  filed on May 28, 2024).
  4.2
  Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Vital Energy, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form
  8-K
  (File
  No. 001-35380)
  filed on January 9, 2023).
  4.3
  Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vital Energy's Registration Statement on Form
  8-A12B/A
  (File
  No. 001-35380)
  filed on January 7, 2014).
  5.1*
  Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
  23.1*
  Consent of Ernst & Young L.L.P.
  23.2*
  Consent of Grant Thornton L.L.P.
  23.3*
  Consent of Ryder Scott Company, L.P.
  23.4*
  Consent of Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. with respect to Driftwood annual consolidated financial statements.
  23.5*
  Consent of Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. with respect to Forge audited annual financial statements.
  23.6*
  Consent of Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. with respect to Henry audited consolidated financial statements.
  23.7*
  Consent of Moss Adams LLP with respect to Maple financial statements.
  23.8*
  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP with respect to consolidated financial statements of Tall City.
  23.9*
  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP with respect to Point Energy audited annual financial statements.
  23.10*
  Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. with respect to Point Energy reserves report.
  23.11*
  Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (included as part of its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).
  24.1*
  Power of Attorney (included as part of the signature pages to this Registration Statement).
  99.1
  Vital Energy, Inc. Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (amended and restated as of May 
  23, 2024), incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form
  8-K
  (File
  No. 001-35380)
  filed on May 28, 2024).
  107.1*
  Filing Fee Table
  *
  Filed herewith.
  4
  SIGNATURES
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of
  the requirements for filing on Form
  S-8
  and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tulsa, State of Oklahoma, on
  October 1, 2024.
  VITAL ENERGY, INC.
  By:
  /s/ Jason Pigott
  Name: Jason Pigott
  Title: President & Chief Executive Officer
  POWER OF ATTORNEY
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities
  indicated on October 1, 2024, each person whose signature appears below appoints Jason Pigott, Bryan Lemmerman and Mark D. Denny, and each of them, any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as his or her true and lawful
  attorneys-in-fact
  and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign
  any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any additional registration statement (including any amendment thereto) for this offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b)
  under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Commission, granting unto said
  attorneys-in-fact
  and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and
  purposes as he or she might or would do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
  attorneys-in-fact
  and agents or any of them or their or his or her
  substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
  Signature
  Title
  /s/ Jason Pigott
  Jason Pigott
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
  /s/ Bryan J. Lemmerman
  Bryan J. Lemmerman
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)
  /s/ Stephen L. Faulkner, Jr.
  Stephen L. Faulkner, Jr.
  Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
  (Principal Accounting Officer)
  /s/ William E. Albrecht
  William E. Albrecht
  Director
  (Chairman)
  /s/ John Driver
  John Driver
  Director
  /s/ Frances Powell Hawes
  Frances Powell Hawes
  Director
  /s/ Jarvis V. Hollingsworth
  Jarvis V. Hollingsworth
  Director
  /s/ Dr. Craig M. Jarchow
  Dr. Craig M. Jarchow
  Director
  5
  Signature
  Title
  /s/ Dr. Shihab Kuran
  Dr. Shihab Kuran
  Director
  /s/ Lisa M. Lambert
  Lisa M. Lambert
  Director
  /s/ Lori A. Lancaster
  Lori A. Lancaster
  Director
  /s/ Edmund P. Segner, III
  Edmund P. Segner, III
  Director
  6