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Staff

The RFA Team
Front Row, L to R: Samantha Slater, Kristy Moore, Taryn Morgan
Middle Row, L to R:  Missy Ruff, Bob Dinneen, Ann Lewis
Back Row, L to R: Christina Martin, Ashley Morrison, Bailey Rall, Geoff Cooper, Ed Hubbard, Matt Hartwig, Mary Giglio, Alex Obuchowski, Robert White, Anne Rhine
Not pictured: Randy Klein

 

Bob Dinneen

President and CEO

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Bob Dinneen is the President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Collectively representing the majority of U.S. ethanol industry leaders and supporters, RFA’s mission is to increase the production and use of renewable fuels and to create a dynamic, robust ethanol industry.

As the ethanol industry’s lead lobbyist before the Congress and Administration, Bob has been instrumental in advancing policies that protect the environment, strengthen the U.S. economy, and promote energy independence. In both 2008 and 2009, Bob was named a “top lobbyists” by Capitol Hill’s must-read newspaper, The Hill.

A noted expert on energy and environmental policy and issues affecting the U.S. ethanol industry, Bob regularly testifies before federal agencies and congressional committees. His views and expertise have been solicited by top policymakers in the Bush (41), Clinton, Bush (43), and Obama Administrations, including Secretaries of Energy, Agriculture, Treasury, and Commerce, the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency. Bob has represented the U.S. ethanol industry at state, national, and international forums and addressed major gathering of international leaders in Europe and South America.

For more than two decades, Bob’s advocacy and leadership have helped to move RFA and
the ethanol industry forward. In 1988, he joined RFA as Legislative Director and assumed the role of President in 2001. Bob’s successful coalition-building efforts have paved the way for industry growth and directly resulted public policy achievements such as the expansion of the historic Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) to 36 billion gallons by 2022 and the passage of the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC). In addition to his work at RFA, Bob serves on the DOE/USDA Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee.

A frequent speaker on ethanol-related issues, Bob has been featured in top print, broadcast, and online media outle ts, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Associated Press, Reuters, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, CNBC, FOX, and a wide variety of regional and trade publications. Additionally, Bob is a featured contributor on “The Huffington Post,” the web’s most widely read blog for political news.

Prior to joining RFA, Bob worked in the U.S. Congress for various Representatives and congressional committees.

Bob graduated from the Catholic University of America with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

 

Alex Obuchowski

Chief Financial Officer

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Alex Obuchowski is RFA’s Chief Financial Officer. He is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the organization, including budgeting, monthly financial statements, cash flow and invoicing.

Prior to joining the RFA, Alex worked for Veris Consulting, LLC, as a manager in the firm’s Outsourced Accounting Department. While there, he was responsible for managing the accounting for roughly a dozen non-profit and insurance clients and his portfolio included RFA. Alex’s primary responsibilities included producing monthly financial statements, making budgeting decisions, and providing clients with regular updates on the status of their finances. Before joining Veris, he was a senior auditor with Johnson Lambert & Co., responsible for audits of non-profit organizations and insurance companies.

Alex is a member of the American Society of Association Executives. He graduated from the College of William & Mary with a bachelors’ degree in Accounting.

 

Christina Martin

Executive Vice President

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As Executive Vice President of the Renewable Fuels Association, Christina Martin brings twenty years of global communications, government relations, and trade association management experience to the U.S. ethanol industry.

Prior to joining RFA, Christina stood at the crossroads of corporate America and public policy, developing and implementing media, branding, and crisis communications strategies surrounding significant health, tax, environmental, safety, and regulatory issues facing the cellular phone and financial services industries. Most recently, she served as Senior Managing Director, Global Strategic Communications, for the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) and its predecessor organization, the Securities Industry Association (SIA), which the Wall Street Journal recognized as “Wall Street’s leading trade group.” She was the first woman to serve on the management committee of both associations.

Christina has also held the positions of Executive Vice President for Powell Tate|Weber Shandwick, the world’s largest public relations agency, and Senior Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications for the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA – The Wireless Association).

Christina has served as a spokesperson and communications strategist for key policymakers at the federal and state levels. As press secretary to Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, she led a successful image reformation that resulted in a +33% swing in job approval/disapproval ratings over 13 months and was named by Roll Call newspaper as one of the “50 most powerful staffers on Capitol Hill.” She has worked for Presidential nominee/Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. Christina served as chief of staff and press secretary to California Representative Michael Huffington. During President George H. W. Bush’s administration, she served in various roles within the White House Office of Communications. Christina is also a veteran of three presidential campaigns.

Christina earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Kansas. In the fall of 2006, she was a Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government’s Institute of Politics.

 

Geoff Cooper

Vice President of Research and Analysis

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Geoff Cooper is RFA’s Vice President of Research and Analysis. In addition to overseeing market analysis and policy research, he provides regulatory support and strategic planning for the association and its members. Geoff also manages RFA programs related to sustainability and ethanol co-products.

Prior to joining RFA, Geoff served as Director of Ethanol Programs for the National Corn Growers Association. In this role, he led research and promotional efforts to increase the production and use of corn-based ethanol.

Previously, Geoff served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, specializing in bulk petroleum supply and logistics. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for developing a comprehensive analysis of the life-cycle cost and full-useful life of the components of the Fuel System Supply Point, which is the Army’s primary means for the receipt and storage of bulk petroleum and for its issue to combat forces under tactical conditions.

A Wyoming native, Geoff graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He earned his master’s degree at Webster University in St. Louis.

 

 

Samantha Slater

Vice President of Government Affairs

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Samantha Slater is RFA’s Vice President of Government Affairs. She leads the association’s efforts in advancing the U.S. ethanol industry’s public policy agenda and serves as RFA’s lead lobbyist for legislative and regulatory affairs concerning ethanol, energy, agriculture, and climate change.

Samantha successfully represented the U.S. ethanol industry’s interests in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, working to achieve the inclusion of a provision to expand the Renewable Fuels Standard. She also represented the industry’s interests in the 2008 Farm Bill, which included the Energy Title and key renewable energy tax provisions.

Previously, Samantha served as Director of Public Policy for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), where she developed and implemented the association’s legislative and regulatory strategies. She has also worked as Manager of State & Regional Affairs for the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA). At EPSA, she prepared the association’s comments and testimony before state legislatures and regulatory commissions and communicated key policy positions to a variety of state and federal audiences.

Samantha holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the American University in Washington, D.C.

 

Edward S. Hubbard, Jr.

Director of Government Affairs, Tax & International Trade

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Edward Hubbard leads RFA’s efforts in advancing its tax and international trade public policy agenda. As part of his lobbying and government relations outreach, he works to promote a policy framework that encourages greater production and use of ethanol.

Prior to joining RFA, Edward served as Legislative Director and Counsel in the office of U.S. Representative Albert Wynn. He advised former Congressman Wynn, who was a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, on legislative activities and helped manage the office and its staff. He also oversaw the Congressman’s regional whip duties, Maryland Delegation leadership responsibilities, and Chair activities for the CBC Small Business Task Force, Hydrogen Caucus, and Wireless Caucus.

Before his service on Capitol Hill, Edward worked in Culver City, California, as an associate at the law offices of Willoughby & Associates. While there, he litigated business, real estate, labor, employment, general tort, and civil rights disputes before state and federal courts. Previously, he worked as an associate in the Los Angeles office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP, where he advised corporate clients on securities and regulatory compliance issues.

Edward’s first job in Washington was working as a legislative correspondent in the office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. Before this, he served as Special Assistant to the Chairman for the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Water Rates in Los Angeles.

Edward is a member of the California State Bar. He earned a J.D. from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California at Los Angeles.

 

Robert White

Director of Market Development

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As Director of Market Development, Robert White leads RFA’s various consumer education and marketing efforts. In addition to strengthening RFA’s visibility and managing its active market development team, Robert works with petroleum marketers and retailers, state and federal agencies, commercial fleets, and individual consumers to increase awareness about the benefits of ethanol and encourage greater development and use of renewable fuels.

Widely recognized as an expert on the ethanol-related issues and the variations between ethanol-blended fuels, Robert frequently provides guidance and technical information to ethanol industry leaders. Currently, he acts as a key advocate for the National Blender Pump Program, a joint effort by the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and RFA to establish 5,000 blender pumps in the next three years.

Previously, Robert was Deputy Director of the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC), and the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC). A veteran of the agriculture industry, he has also worked as Director of Value-Added Programs for the Kansas Corn Growers and Grain Sorghum Producers Associations.

An active member in ethanol and agricultural communities, Robert has served on various boards of directors and advisory committees, including the U.S. Grains Council, Kansas Ag Innovation Center, National Corn Growers Association, National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, and National Sorghum Producers.

Robert is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He holds two bachelor degrees, one in foreign languages from Monterey Peninsula College and another in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University.

 

Matt Hartwig

Director of Communications

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Matt Hartwig is RFA’s Director of Communications and chief spokesperson. In this role, he manages the association’s media relations and is responsible for developing and distributing RFA’s key messages to the news media, elected officials, and other external audiences.

Matt is frequently quoted in national publications such as the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, as well as regional outlets throughout the nation. Matt is also a regular guest on radio and TV, appearing on National Public Radio and CNBC, as well as regional agriculture and energy programs such AgriTalk.

Working as an advocate for the ethanol industry was a natural progression for Matt. He grew up in “corn country” on his family’s farm in rural Iowa. He remained in Iowa for college, earning bachelor’s degree in journalism at Iowa State University.

Immediately prior to joining RFA, Matt served as Democratic Press Secretary for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Matt’s expertise in media relations and messaging were critical in advancing the work of the committee and its Chairman, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). Additionally, Matt has held numerous communications position with political campaigns at both the state and federal levels, including two Presidential campaigns. He also served as press secretary for the Washington, D.C. office of the Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports.

Outside of work, Matt serves on the Board of Directors for the State Society of Iowa, a social club organized to help relocated Iowans give back to their new community. For the past five years, Matt has also served as a volunteer and coach at the Jelleff Boys and Girls Club in Georgetown.

 

Kristy Moore

Director of Technical Services

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As RFA’s Director of Technical Services, Kristy Moore is the industry contact for fuel ethanol quality, regulatory, safety, and environmental aspects. Kristy is well-known and respected throughout the ethanol industry for her depth of knowledge and expertise.

Kristy’s prior work experience includes both wet and dry milling ethanol production for Archer Daniels Midland Company. She has extensive knowledge of the Fuel Alcohol industry, as well as the Beverage and Industrial Alcohol industries.

Currently, Kristy co-chairs the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition, a diverse group organizations representing emergency responders and the ethanol industry. EERC’s mission is to enhance the knowledge, capability, and readiness of operational emergency response agencies to effectively respond to fires, spills, and other emergencies involving ethanol and ethanol blended fuels. This coalition is responsible for the development and distribution of ethanol-specific emergency response information for the first response community.

Kristy is also an active participant in ASTM International and chairs its E 48.05 Committee on Biomass Conversion and its E48 Biotechnology Committee. She is a regular contributor to the E60 Sustainability and D02 Petroleum Products and Lubricants Committees. The D02 Committee recently honored Kristy with its Award of Appreciation, in recognition of her valuable support and the expertise she provides to the fuel quality interests of the ethanol industry. Kristy also chairs the Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Task Group. Additionally, Kristy serves as an industry expert for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on the ISO Council Task Force.

Kristy holds a degree in Chemistry from Illinois State University.

Randy Klein

Director of Membership

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Randy Klein serves as RFA’s Director of Membership, a position that builds on his 23 years of experience in membership and marketing within the ethanol and corn industries.

Prior to joining RFA, Randy held the position of Director of Market Development for the Nebraska Corn Board. During this tenure, he is was responsible for a variety of Board projects, including ethanol market development programs, served on the National Corn Growers Association Ethanol Committee, and was recognized as 2009 Employee of the Year by Governor Dave Heinemann.

From 1987 – 1994, Randy held two positions concurrently. He was both the Executive Director of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Field Services Director for the Nebraska Corn Board. At the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Randy oversaw a membership increase from 1130 to 3020, achieving 10% of the market.

Randy’s recent community involvement includes serving as President of the Nebraska Agribusiness Club, Agronomy Department Advisory Board at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and Saunders County Corn Growers Association Board of Directors. He is also a member of the National Agri-Marketing Association.

Randy graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. He has also completed the Nebraska LEAD program – Leadership, Education, Action, Development in Agriculture.