Global Ethanol Summit 2025

Doug Berven joined POET in March 2003 and has served the organization in several key roles since then.  In his current role as Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Berven promotes the corporate objectives of POET, the importance of agriculture, and the benefits of biofuels domestically and internationally.
Berven currently sits on the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance Executive Committee and Board, the Fuels Institute Advisory Board, is a Senior Advisor to Solutions From the Land, is the Executive Director of the South Dakota Ethanol Producers Association, is a member of the U.S. Grains Ethanol Advisory Team, a Board member of Renewable Fuels Nebraska and serves on several other industry associated work groups, committees and associations. He has also served on several of POET’s plant Boards of Directors. Berven also manages strategic corporate relations for POET, promotes state, national and international policy objectives for the industry, and is a recognized authority on biofuels, renewable energy and agriculture.
Prior to joining POET, Berven held various roles in banking, real estate development and medical consulting. Berven received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he currently resides with his wife and  two children.

Rowena Torres-Ordonez has served as Global Ethanol Technical Consultant and Advisor for U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council since March 2021. She provides technical and regulatory expertise on ethanol specifications, use and other technical issues to advance the development of export markets for US ethanol.

Prior to this, Rowena had 32 years of experience in the energy industry where she worked for BP (in Naperville, Illinois) in the areas of petroleum fuels refining and marketing and in biofuels R&D. She is co-holder of a patent for using butanol in gasoline. Her key expertise areas are fuel specs and standards, new market deployment, quality assurance, strategic planning/communication, project management and cultural competence.

Rowena’s degrees and training are in chemical engineering – PhD and MS from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and BS from University of the Philippines (UP). She also did postdoctoral work at MIT and University of Delaware. She has also been a part-time professorial lecturer at UP Department of Chemical Engineering since February 2022.

Tad Hepner serves as the Vice President of Strategy and Innovation for the Renewable Fuels Association. Tad leads the development and implementation of a wide range of initiatives focused on building demand and new markets for ethanol and other bio-products made by the association’s member companies.

Prior to joining RFA, Hepner led North American biofuels and derivatives business development efforts for Clariant, a Swiss multinational specialty chemical organization with technology applications in catalyst, second generation cellulosic biofuels, and new conversion biotechnologies. Hepner also held various positions at POET, ranging from scientific research to technology and business development. He specialized in applications of new biotech, regulatory navigation, and adjacent space opportunities for the biofuels industry. He has led projects in cellulosic feedstock collection and conversion, animal feed products, coproduct utilization, carbon capture/storage as well as production of biofuels from corn kernel fiber. Tad holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of South Dakota and an MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Sioux Falls.

Morten Jacobsen is a maritime executive with over 35 years of international experience in commercial roles across ship-owning and operations, with the past five years dedicated to advancing the maritime fuel transition.

As Secretary General of the Global Ethanol Association, a non-profit industry organization, and Head of its Marine Sector activity, Morten leads the Association’s efforts to create and unlock real market demand for ethanol in low-emission marine applications. At the same time, he drives the development of reliable and scalable ethanol supply chains to accelerate the transition toward cleaner shipping operations.

Kristy Moore is a leading authority on motor fuel quality, regulatory, safety and environmental aspects, specializing in renewable and alternative fuels.  Kristy is well-known and respected throughout the industry for her depth of knowledge and expertise on gasoline and gasoline-ethanol blends.  Kristy is developing opportunities for increased renewable fuel and chemical usage in domestic and global markets for Growth Energy, the largest biofuels trade association.  She is an active participant in ASTM International by chairing the D02 Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels and Lubricants Subcommittee 93 on International Standards and Related Activities.  She is also an integral member of Committee E48 Bioenergy and Industrial Chemicals from Biomass.

Her prior work experience includes both wet and dry milling corn production for Archer Daniels Midland Company.  She has extensive knowledge of the Fuel Alcohol industry, as well as the Beverage and Industrial Alcohol industries, using this experience to address technical, regulatory issues for building domestic and global markets.  Ms. Moore holds a Chemistry degree from Illinois State University.   She resides in Bloomington, Illinois, U.S.A.

Jake Comer is the Vice President of Market Development at Growth Energy, where he leads efforts to expand the use of higher ethanol blends both in the U.S. and internationally. With 15 years of experience across the fuel supply chain, Comer has developed expertise in fuel sourcing, logistics, marketing, pricing, and ensuring optimal profitability.

He began his career in public accounting but quickly found a passion for the fuel industry, holding leadership roles at major retailers including Kum & Go, Murphy USA, and Casey’s. Most recently at Casey’s, he served as Director of Retail Fuels, where he played a key role in building out the company’s fuel department and advancing fuel profitability as part of Casey’s Shareholder Value Creation Plan.

Comer joined Growth Energy in 2022, initially focused on expanding domestic ethanol markets. By 2024, his role expanded to include oversight of global ethanol market development, technical fuel initiatives, and strategic research.

A native of Iowa, Comer holds a bachelor’s degree from Drake University and an MBA from the University of Iowa. He lives in Des Moines with his wife and two children.

Ron Lamberty is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) based in Sioux Falls, SD

Lamberty provides logistical and marketing expertise to petroleum marketers who want to begin selling higher blends of ethanol-enriched gasoline like E15 and E85, as well as those who already sell ethanol and are trying to find a way to improve sales of the product. He has worked with marketers across the US, and in Mexico, India, Canada, and Costa Rica. He has also hosted tours of US ethanol infrastructure for groups of marketers and delegates from Korea, Mexico, and Latin America, and will meet a delegation from South America following the Global Ethanol Summit.   

Lamberty spent 40 years working in the retail and wholesale fuel business, starting as a full-service fuel attendant at a two-bay service station in 1975, and ending in 2016 with the sale of the last of three convenience stores he owned and operated, In between, he supervised groups of stores and was merchandising manager for FINA Oil Company’s Midwest c-store division, and was GM of two large fuel wholesale distributors with c-stores and ethanol blending facilities – which is where his long history as a marketer and supporter of ethanol began. He was instrumental in providing a fueling facility for some of the first E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) vehicles in the US, and later opened the first retail E85 fueling site in the nation.

Growing up in a small, Southern Minnesota farming community set the stage for Neil Bentley’s tenured career in agriculture. As Vice President, Market Management, Agricultural Solutions, North America at BASF, he is responsible for the strategic direction of BASF’s North America Agricultural Solutions business. Bentley leads development of the organization’s strategy, the innovation pipeline for the seeds and crop protection portfolio, digital farming, sustainability, commercial excellence and new business development activities.

Drawing on his expertise in business operations, marketing and product strategy, Bentley leverages his passion for navigating complex challenges in highly competitive environments to create and drive highly innovative and strategic initiatives. Bentley is integral in embedding sustainability into BASF Agricultural Solutions’ business operations, which include climate smart farming, sustainable solutions and technologies, digital farming and smart stewardship.

Bentley obtained his MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He began his career in the retail agriculture business, followed by joining BASF in 2001. His experience with the global chemical company includes domestic product and segment management, international assignments overseeing global active ingredients and strategic relationships and leading global, regional and domestic marketing groups. 

He resides in Raleigh, NC with his wife Alison and children Morgan and Lucas.

Emily Skor is the chief executive of Growth Energy, America’s premier biofuel trade association representing the majority of the nation’s ethanol producers, an industry that contributes more than $50 billion to the U.S. GDP.  
Since her appointment in May 2016, Skor has been a leading voice on growing the bioeconomy, and has appeared on national, regional, and local news networks, testified numerous times before Congress, and has been tapped to share her insights at major energy events, such as CERAWeek, Politico’s Energy Week, and the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Summit during Climate Week NYC. 

Named one of “Washington's Most Influential People” of 2024 and 2025 by Washingtonian magazine, Skor was also honored by BBI International — publishers of Ethanol Producer Magazine — with the first-ever Women in Ethanol award for outstanding contributions to the industry. She also was recognized by The Hill as one of the top lobbyists in Washington. 
Previously, Skor served as vice president of communications for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), a trade association representing America’s $30 billion over-the-counter medicine industry. She also served as senior vice president at Dezenhall Resources, a nationally recognized crisis management firm, developing and executing plans for Fortune 500 companies. 

Dan Pfeffer is a Senior Partner at PAA Advisory, based in Canada’s capital, where he functions as “boots on the ground” for the USGBC.

Dan holds a Ph.D. in political science from Queen’s University, where he specialized in Canadian politics and political theory. He also obtained degrees from the University of Ottawa and Montreal’s McGill University, and taught politics at Queen’s and l’Université du Québec à Montréal.

Dan brings an expertise in carbon markets and environmental policy. He has helped negotiate policies such as cap and trade, carbon pricing, and low carbon fuel standards in jurisdictions across Canada and has helped clients in their international engagement.

An experienced petroleum explorationist with over forty-five (45) years’ experience in all aspects of operations geology, petroleum basin evaluation and management and implementation of various technical programs. Prepared numerous basin/prospect evaluations, well prognoses and planned, coordinated and implemented numerous geological projects. Conducted numerous evaluations of diverse types of basins in the Philippines and the Southeast Asia region.  Since 2005, formulated, managed and implemented the oil and gas exploration and production programs for a private Philippine E&P company.

In September 2022, joined the Department of Energy as Undersecretary supervising the Energy Resources Development Bureau (ERDB), overseeing the upstream fossil fuel industry. Also supervises the Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) which monitors the downstream petroleum and natural gas sectors.  Currently also the Permanent Alternate Chair of the National Biofuels Board, which monitors and regulates the biofuels industry in the Philippines.

Clement Isong, a lawyer, is the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN). A former Deputy Vice President of Total (now TotalEnergies) Southern Africa, he has held leadership roles in Nigeria, France, and across Southern Africa. He has served on the boards of the Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF) and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). He was a member of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET Fund) Standing Committee on Research and Development and the Advisory Board of BusinessDay Media. He is actively involved in several philanthropic foundations, including the Clement Isong Foundation, NESONS Schools, and the BusinessDay Foundation, where he serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Mr. Lloyd C. Day assumed his position as Deputy Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in 2012. 

Started career with the Governor of California eventually becoming the Deputy Secretary of International Trade and Investment for California. Moved to Washington, D.C. to serve as Administrator of USDA´s Agricultural Marketing Service, Head of Federal Government Affairs at Syngenta, and now Deputy Director General of IICA. 

As Administrator of AMS, Day led the livestock and seed sector, including dairy and poultry, so he has vast experience in the sector. He also was a key member of the USDA team to reopen foreign markets for US beef and cattle after the outbreak of BSE in the United States in 2003. Day oversaw all aspects of marketing and certification of standards for agricultural products from livestock and seeds to dairy, poultry, eggs, grains, transportation, cotton, tobacco, organics, and fruits and vegetables. 

At IICA, Day is active in leading the institute’s activities with the private sector including its positioning supporting research and innovation as well as in international discussions at the WTO, the FAO, Codex Alimentarius, and the Global Agenda on Sustainable Livestock, among other international initiatives.  

He leads and shapes IICA’s positioning related to food system with three important principles: 

1)    Farmers and ministers of agriculture are represented and respected in discussions related to food policy.
2)    Science is the foundation of public policy.
3)    Agriculture is viewed as part of the solution to our complex global challenges.

Mr. Day has received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Stanford University and the University of Glasgow. 

A global operations executive with over 30 years of experience in the refining and chemicals industry, Mark Ingebretson is now dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions. He holds an MBA and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Throughout his career, Mark has led numerous projects that comprise improved operational efficiency and sustainability along with spearheading business development initiatives. His expertise in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), biofuels, and carbon footprint reduction is currently being utilized in his role as the Global SAF Policy Consultant for the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, where he is focused on expanding the market for sustainable aviation fuels.

Dr. Michael Wang is a Distinguished Fellow and the Director of the Life Cycle Analysis and Technology Assessment Department of the Advanced Energy Technology Directorate at Argonne National Laboratory. Dr. Wang leads the ongoing development of Argonne’s R&D GREET model for life cycle analysis of transportation fuels, technologies, and energy systems (see greet.anl.gov for details). At present, there are more than 65,000 registered R&D GREET users globally. The R&D GREET model and its results have been used by agencies such as the California Air Resources Board, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the fuel incentive provisions of the U.S. 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Besides, the model and results are used by automotive companies, energy companies, biofuel producers, and others to address energy and emission performance of their products and technologies.

Dr. Wang is a fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers. He is on the editorial boards of four international journals. He has over 330 publications in the areas of transportation energy and environment effects.

Dr. Claudia Bulgheroni has studied Agricultural Sciences and received a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the university of Milan. Before joining MCS, she worked for 10 years as policy analyst on agriculture and climate change at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission where she focused on agricultural crops sustainability and on GHG emissions from cultivation of agricultural feedstocks. She provided scientific support to the EU policy makers in developing and implementing the Renewable Energy Directive and the GHG emissions calculation methodology for biofuels, including ILUC. At MCS she leads the activities on carbon market and neutrality strategy. She works different projects related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, with a specific focus on soil carbon accumulation. Claudia has recently been appointed as ISCC representative member of the expert group on carbon removal certification established by the European Commission. 

Jarad joined the Global CCS Institute as Chief Executive Officer in 2021, bringing with him over 20 years of international collaboration and leadership on clean energy and sustainable development. He has broad expertise in energy and deep experience in carbon capture and storage, having worked with many countries, multilateral organizations, NGOs, and companies on technology development, deployment, and government policy. 

Prior to joining the Institute, Jarad led the Office of Strategic Planning, Analysis, and Engagement within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. Earlier government responsibilities included managing research, development, and demonstration programs for advanced power systems and environmental stewardship.

His professional experience also includes life cycle analysis, process engineering, and materials science.  Jarad holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Kansas State University and a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley.

Robin Vercruse is Executive Director of the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition, a broad industry trade association dedicated to supporting all-of-the-above policies to decarbonize and diversify both transportation fuels and the sources used to produce them. Robin is a long-time evangelist for the environmental, national security and economic benefits of biofuels in particular, starting with advocating for policies to increase the use of ethanol in transportation as VP of Policy at the Fuel Freedom Foundation. She has a Master of Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School of UC Santa Barbara, with a focus on energy and climate change.

Chris is the VP of Market Development at Indigo Ag.  In his role he works to develop new sources of demand for low carbon ag commodities, touching on markets like biofuels, food ingredients, and fashion.  Prior to Indigo, he served as the VP of Strategy & Corporate Development at Groundtruth, a leading geospatial firm, and was a strategy consultant at The Boston Consulting Group.  He has an MBA from Dartmouth College and a BS from Miami University.  He is a member of the USGC’s Ethanol Advisory Team.

Lindsay Fitzgerald currently serves as the Chief Advocacy and Communications Officer at Gevo. She leads a global team whose mission is to develop and promote policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prior to joining Gevo in 2021, Ms. Fitzgerald was Director of Government Affairs at Renewable Energy Group, a leading provider of biodiesel and renewable biodiesel, where she was responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive regulatory policy strategy at the state, local, federal, and international levels. She also served as Director of Regulatory Affairs at the National Biodiesel Board. She started her career as a consulting member, then government team member responsible for implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard at the U.S. EPA. She is a seasoned government affairs professional with a special aptitude for strategy, collaboration, and big-picture, actionable planning, and execution.

Emily Marthaler currently serves as the Director of Global Policy for Growth Energy, the largest ethanol trade association in the United States. Prior to joining Growth Energy in December 2024, Emily was with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) for over nine years, most recently serving as the Senior Trade Advisor for biofuels and bioenergy. Emily led FAS’ biofuels and bioenergy trade and policy efforts both bilaterally and globally. Emily served as co-chair of the Global Bioenergy Partnership, represented the United States in the Global Biofuels Alliance, served as a U.S. expert to the International Civil Aviation Organization, and represented USDA in other negotiations and international engagements. Prior to FAS, Emily was the deputy director of the Midwestern Governors Association where she spearheaded regional efforts that included increasing the use and development of biofuels and renewable energy as well as transitioning the electric transmission sector. Emily also led the development of governors’ recommendations on the Farm Bill, upholding the Renewable Fuels Standard, implementing E15, as well as working to develop a framework on a low-carbon fuel standard. Prior to that, Emily also worked for USDA Rural Development and the United States Senate. Emily has bachelor degrees in political science and economics and a master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University located in Washington, DC.

Dr. Mueller leads the Bioenergy and Clean Transportation Research Group at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Selected research activities focus on life cycle emissions analyses of different bioenergy and electric vehicle pathways as well as sustainability assessments of energy supply chains. Dr. Mueller has published over 40 peer reviewed papers on life cycle analysis. Steffen served on the Expert Working Group on Land Use during the establishment of the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard. In 2021and 2022, he served on the National Academies of Sciences Committee on Life Cycle Analyses of Low-Carbon Transportation Fuels and since 2013 Steffen has been a Board member of International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). Steffen holds a PhD in Energy Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, an MBA and a B.S. in Environmental Engineering.

Mohammed Kadhi is a seasoned clean energy entrepreneur and strategic advisor with over 15 years of experience advancing ethanol-based clean cooking technologies and market ecosystems across East Africa. He currently serves as Head of Strategy and Business Development at Bukona Agro Processors Ltd (Uganda) and its sister company Greenergy Climate (Tz) Ltd (Tanzania)—two trailblazing organizations promoting ethanol stoves, pressure cookers, and clean fuel distribution through public-private partnerships, employer-financed models, and digital fuel tracking systems.

Mohammed is a founding figure in Africa’s ethanol-for-cooking movement. As Co-Founder of Consumer’s Choice Ltd, he led one of the first successful ethanol stove ventures in Kenya, distributing over 15,000 Moto Safi™ stoves and advocating for key tax policy reforms that removed VAT and excise duty on ethanol fuel. His ventures have secured multi-million-dollar projects from GIZ, UNIDO, the Clean Cooking Alliance, and national governments—most recently winning contracts to distribute over 100,000 stoves in Uganda and 45,000 stoves in Tanzania between 2024 and 2027.

An influential voice in the sector, Mohammed serves on the Advisory Council of Pivot Clean Energy Co. (USA), where he contributes to global policy conversations on ethanol's role in clean cooking, industrial applications, and energy transition strategies. He has represented Africa in numerous international forums and is actively developing IoT-enabled an ethanol stove, electric pressure cooker, induction cooker and carbon-dMRV innovations under Batian-Africa Appliances Ltd, his clean-tech manufacturing startup.

With an academic background in Public Administration and Graphic Communication, Mohammed brings a unique blend of policy insight, creative design, grassroots mobilization, and business leadership. His work continues to transform lives, reduce deforestation, and create green jobs across the region.

Sophie is a seasoned expert in Government and Stakeholder Relations, Business Strategy, and Communications, with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. Her multifaceted career has equipped her with a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics between governments, businesses, and communities. Currently, Sophie holds the prestigious position of Director, Public Affairs at KOKO Networks, a leading organization committed to revolutionizing clean cooking energy access in Africa.

In her role at KOKO Networks, Sophie is at the forefront of efforts to transition communities from traditional energy sources like charcoal and firewood to KOKO Fuel, a clean and renewable energy solution that distributes bioethanol as the clean cooking fuel. Her work involves engaging with governments to foster understanding and support for this transition, emphasizing the environmental and health benefits of adopting cleaner energy alternatives. Sophie's strategic approach and effective communication skills enable her to build strong partnerships with key stakeholders, driving the success of KOKO Networks' initiatives.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sophie is deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of women, children, and the broader community. She believes in the power of sustainable energy to transform lives and is committed to advocating for policies and practices that promote environmental stewardship and social equity. Her dedication to community engagement is evident in her efforts to raise awareness about the role of carbon markets as a crucial enabler of sustainable development.

Sophie thrives on engaging with diverse audiences, from policymakers to grassroots organizations, to champion the benefits of clean energy and carbon markets. Her ability to articulate complex concepts in an accessible manner has made her a respected voice in the field. Through her work, Sophie is not only contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions but also inspiring others to join the movement toward a greener, more equitable future. Passionate, knowledgeable, and driven, Sophie is dedicated to creating lasting positive impacts on the world around her.

Mark Heckman brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the biofuels, agriculture, and supply chain industries to the Edeniq team. With a strong network of relationships across these sectors, Mark has been instrumental in developing specialized contracts and premium agreements that drive value for clients. His expertise includes guiding clients through complex regulatory requirements at the state, federal, and international levels, ensuring compliance and maximizing program benefits. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business and Management with a focus on finance from Iowa State University.

Reid Wagner is Growth Energy’s Technical Director of Market Development, aiming to strengthen the industry’s ability to market higher volumes of biofuels and co-products by working directly with standards organizations, regulatory agencies, fuel retailers, equipment manufacturers and prospective new business partners.

Wagner brings experience across multiple industrial sectors including refined sugars, edible oils and ethanol production with Cargill; oil and gas refining and petrochemicals with ExxonMobil; and specialty chemicals with Evonik. He has primarily held roles that specialize in operations, process design, capital projects and business development, and regulatory affairs. Most recently he served as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Ethanol Board, where he advocated for the growth and development of ethanol production in the state, regularly collaborating with the administrations of Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and former Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, Nebraska ethanol and agricultural producers, regulators and policymakers, and a variety of industry stakeholders.

Reid received his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Tom Leone is a Principal Engineer at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), where he works on life-cycle analysis, low carbon fuels, and internal combustion engines.  He previously worked for 32 years at Ford Motor Company, on a variety of engine and fuel-related research programs including collaborations with universities, national labs, and other companies.  He earned BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Juha comes from a family of farmers from southern Finland and has been with eFlexFuel since 2018 when the company’s commercial success with flex fuel conversions began. He has been involved in eFlexFuel’s expansion in three different continents and is now working with Industry Relations to build partnerships to advance the use of ethanol. Juha holds a master’s degree in business administration, has studies in automotive engineering and has been leading eFlexFuel’s US expansion. He is also a partner of a Finnish venture capital and has been advising multiple startup companies. As a devoted car enthusiast Juha is excited about how ethanol enables enjoying sustainable motoring – without compromising the sheer pleasure of driving.

Nancy Tsou is the Chief Strategy Officer of Sanyang Motor CO., LTD(SYM). Skilled at ESG & Sustainability Affairs. She also works as the project manager for Greenhouse gas emission and net zero planning, who is responsible for supervising and promoting the company's sustainability development strategy, which encompasses environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance, ensuring that the company can continuously promote sustainable development goals in the long term while complying with market demands and regulatory requirement. 

She hold's a Masters degree in agronomy from National Taiwan University.

Bob McCormick is a senior research fellow and platform leader for NREL's fuels and combustion research. His work focuses on end-use issues and fuel-engine interactions with alternative fuels, primarily biofuels—including ethanol, biodiesel, and other bio-derived diesel fuels. Recent research has also focused on the properties and combustion of current and emerging synthetic aviation fuels, as well as biodiesel storage stability and compatibility with modern diesel emission controls.  His vision is to bring the foundational principles of chemistry to the historically empirical world of fuel properties and how they relate to performance in engines.  He has a PhD in chemical engineering and is a Fellow of SAE International.

Mr. Randy L. Gard has over 30 years of executive leadership and management experience, with a background in Business Management from Waldorf College in Forest City, IA.

His career includes key roles in various industries. He spent 18 years with Eaton Corporation in the Automotive Components Group and served as Director of Operations for Stuart Entertainment in the gaming industry. At Vermeer Manufacturing Co. in Pella, IA, he held the position of Vice President of Global Planning and Business Development.

Mr. Gard also led Chief Automotive Technologies in Grand Island, NE, as President and CEO, during which the company was part of Dover Corporation (DOV), a Fortune 500 company.

Currently, Mr. Gard is the COO of Bosselman Enterprises and serves on the board of the organization. He is a member of the Nebraska Ethanol Board, the American Coalition for Ethanol Board, and the governmental affairs team for the National Association of Truck Stop Owners (NATSO).

In addition to his corporate roles, he is actively involved in state and federal governmental affairs, particularly in the ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, and EV markets. He has championed legislative bills focusing on renewable fuel incentives for retailers.

Clarence Woo is the Managing Director of Global Centre for Green Fuels (GCGF), a think tank based in Singapore that advises policymakers, regulators and organizations worldwide on sustainable green fuels policies and solutions. In this role, he leads GCGF’s efforts to provide strategic guidance to governments and industries as they navigate the complexities of decarbonization and green fuel policies. Under his leadership, GCGF helps shape the future of global energy systems by ensuring that green fuel strategies are cost-effective, feasible, and aligned with sustainability goals. 

With over three decades of experience in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, Clarence brings unparalleled expertise in clean energy policy, fuel standards, and environmental sustainability. He has worked extensively with governments across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, advising on the development of energy policies that foster environmental and economic growth. 

For more than two decades, Clarence served as the Executive Director of the Asian Clean Fuels Association (ACFA), where he was instrumental in promoting cleaner fuels and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing emissions across the region. His work at ACFA made him a leading voice in the adoption of sustainable fuel practices in Asia, and his expertise in navigating complex regulatory landscapes earned him recognition as a thought leader in the field. 

Clarence has also held senior roles in the corporate sector, including his time at Ethyl Corporation, where he managed petroleum additive sales across the Asia Pacific region and helped drive the development of fuel additive solutions. His deep understanding of fuel technologies and regulations led to significant contributions in the Asia Pacific market and beyond.  

Clarence is a well-respected thought leader in his field and regularly engages in dialogues and high-level discussions at international forums. He has also been a prominent speaker at over 50 international conferences across Asia and the Middle East, sharing his insights and expertise on clean fuel policy and sustainable energy solutions. 

Zoltán Szabó, PhD in environmental economics, has for more than a decade been sustainability advisor in the bioeconomy. With experience in public administration, research, NGOs and business, his work is focused on reconciling climate, energy, agricultural, transport and environmental policies. He is Secretary General of Climate Ethanol Alliance, a global partnership representing interests in Europe, the US, Brazil and Asia.

Lucas Correa is the General Manager of Decarbonization Services – Americas at Wärtsilä, a global leader in marine and energy technologies. With over 15 years of international experience in the maritime and energy sectors, he specializes in business development, market innovation, and regulatory strategy. Lucas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northeastern State University (USA) and an MBA in Engineering and Business Process Management from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). He has led multi-million-dollar projects, engaged with industry associations and regulators, and represented Wärtsilä in local and international projects.

As the Vice President of Marquis R&D Energy LLC and Director of Innovation, Dr. Jennifer Aurandt-Pilgrim leads Marquis Carbon Management initiatives.  Marquis will sequester 1.2 million metric tons of biogenic CO2, along with a sustainable farmer program since 2011, will create carbon-neutral ethanol.  With an eye to the future, Marquis will produce CO2-derived ethanol in 2026 with the support of LanzaTech technology.  Decarbonizing ethanol will provide a feedstock for numerous industries, including chemical, SAF, and Marine fuel. A former tenured professor, Jennifer also serves on the Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Committee (BERAC) for the Department of Energy. She is Co-Vice Chair of the ABFA United Nations-ICAO group. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Bowling Green State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan. She has been an innovator and leader in bioenergy since 2005, leading scientific research and commercialization to advance the ethanol industry.

David Schwalje leads the Emerging Market Development team for Axens Americas, responsible for technology commercialization and project development for Emerging Technologies such as cellulosic fuels, low-carbon chemicals, post-combustion carbon capture, ethanol-to-jet, and plastics advanced recycling. David specializes in renewable fuel and chemical pathways, related incentive systems, and project development and financing, with 20 years of experience holding various roles in the Axens engineering, technology, and commercial groups. His direct technology experience includes residue hydrocracking, spent lube oil re-refining, VGO hydrocracking, FCC gasoline desulphurization, light naphtha isomerization, lipid hydroprocessing, olefin oligomerization, and alcohol conversion.

He holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware and resides in New Jersey with his wife and two children.

Keith is a Distinguished Scientist at ORNL, an elected American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow, Adjunct Professor in the Institute of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, and for 24 years, worked with partners in emerging economies on natural resources management and renewable energy options to advance sustainable development goals focused on energy security, resilience and improved livelihoods. Over the past two years, Keith led biomass sustainability work for the CEM Biofuture Initiative, supporting integration of qualitative and quantitative data to understand biomass supplies, and evidence-based approaches to measure life-cycle effects of bio-based value chains.     

Keith states that, “Clear, consistent, practical and verifiable standards are essential to unlock investment and mobilize biomass production for fuels, chemicals and other products and services.”

John Duff is a seasoned leader in agribusiness, with a focus on creating transformative market opportunities for sorghum farmers. As founder of Serō Ag Strategies and strategy consultant to National Sorghum Producers, John has driven numerous initiatives that capitalize on the economic potential of sorghum, including developing strategies for bringing new market opportunities and securing private equity for startups. His tenure on staff at National Sorghum Producers saw the reopening of a $1.1 billion sorghum export market and a $70 million grant secured to create low carbon fuel market opportunities for sorghum farmers. A trusted industry voice, John continues to advocate for more sustainable products that empower farmers and expand their market reach. John graduated from Texas Tech University with an undergraduate degree in agribusiness in 2012 and an MBA in 2021.

Stefan has a business degree and serves in the board of Verbio SE, a leading German producer of biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel and RNG) and renewable chemicals. His primary responsibilities are the expansion into North America, where the company operates two ethanol plants and one biodiesel plant, and Verbio’s Global Trading and Corporate Affairs activities. Stefan serves since 10 years as President of the German Biofuel Industry Association (Verband der Deutschen Biokraftwirtschaft e.V.) and he is board member of the European Biodiesel Board. Prior to joining Verbio, he spent 20 years at the international agribusiness company Cargill and held various management positions in Cargill’s Grain and Oilseed business in Europe.

Rennatto Tible has a wide experience in the fields of corporate law, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and performing cross-jurisdictional transactions over the past 10 years. Has been working for the Pantaleon Group since 2016, beginning as lead in-house counsel for strategic transactions. Later as Group Head Legal Counsel. During the last 5 years, Tible has been directly involved in the promotion of the ethanol blending program and biofuel public policies in Guatemala as well as Mexico.

Tible holds a law degree in Universidad Francisco Marroquin, a Master of Laws in U.S. Law at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota and a Master of Management degree from Universidad Francisco Marroquin and Tulane University.

He co-heads a family business consisting of natural rubber, cattle production, and forestry farms, agricultural land rentals in Guatemala as well as housing unit rentals in Guatemala City. A lover of the outdoors, Tible resides in Guatemala and is married with 2 children.

Scott Richman joined the Renewable Fuels Association as Chief Economist in 2018. He oversees the development and execution of research and analysis initiatives to support the Association’s public policy, regulatory, and public relations objectives. In addition to conducting analyses of ethanol and related commodity markets and government policies, he leads the association’s research efforts regarding the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of ethanol.

Prior to joining RFA, Scott served as Senior Vice President and Co-head of North America Consulting for Informa Agribusiness Consulting, where he co-managed a 15-person consulting group. For more than two decades, he provided research and management consulting services to Informa’s clients, including RFA and other private and public bioenergy stakeholders.

Scott earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Vanderbilt University and his master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University, where he specialized in international business.

Kenneth Scott Zuckerberg serves as the Director of Global Research for CHS, the largest farmer-owned agricultural cooperative in the United States and the third largest in the world. Immediately prior to joining CHS in late 2023, he spent four years at CoBank ACB, serving as the lead analyst and research strategist for grains, farm supply, biofuel, and agri-food technology, and served in a similar role in Rabobank Food and Agribusiness Research (FAR) division from 2014 to 2018.

From 1992 to 2003, Ken was a managing director-senior research analyst with several leading investment banking and asset management firms, including Lazard Asset Management, Wasserstein Perella, Keefe Bruyette & Woods, and Smith Barney, Inc. In 2003, he left Wall Street and founded Carlan Advisors, LLC, an independent research and consulting firm he ran until 2014.

Ken earned a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of South Florida, is a graduate of Wharton Business School's General Management Program (GMP) and holds a masters in law (ML) degree from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

Andrea Kent is Vice President of Industry & Government Affairs at Greenfield Global Inc., Canada’s leading ethanol producer. A respected voice in renewable fuels, she writes for Ethanol Producer Magazine, co-founded the Farms and Fuels Alliance, and previously served as President of Renewable Industries Canada. With deep experience across policy, industry, and advocacy, Andrea brings a global perspective to advancing biofuels as a smart, scalable solution for clean economic growth, energy resilience, and climate ambition.

Jim is a Co-Founder and Managing Director at AEROVIDA BIO. We are developing the next generation of renewable fuel infrastructure such as sustainable aviation fuel, low-carbon feedstocks, and bio-based industrial solutions - accelerating innovation and transforming how the sector operates. We address market fragmentation through collaboration, not competition.

Jim is also serving as the SAF Technical Expert consultant to the Global Biofuels Alliance and as the Chair of The Low Carbon Fuels Alliance of Australia and New Zealand. Jim has 30+ years of engineering, project management, business development and government affairs experience in the private sector and federal government. Jim served as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office - System Development and Integration Program Manager for the last 12 years. In this role, Jim led the Bioenergy Program’s deployment and coalition development strategy for sustainable aviation fuels. His portfolio included the DOE investments in integrated biorefinery projects focused on advanced biofuels and bioproducts including sustainable aviation, marine and other heavy-duty biofuel applications. Jim also led the DOE bioenergy international engagement activities, including serving as the Chair of the Biofuture Clean Energy Ministerial Initiative for the last four years, and previously completed a 3-year term as the Chairperson of the IEA Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Program. Jim also served as a Legislative Fellow for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Prior to joining DOE, Jim worked for over 10 years in the aerospace industry in engineering and business development positions with McDonnell Douglas and Boeing.