The Renewable Fuels Association congratulates Kelly Davis of New Energy Blue and Mick Henderson of Commonwealth Agri-Energy for receiving the top two awards at this year’s International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo in Omaha. Henderson was awarded the High Octane Award, while Davis received the Award of Excellence. Both Davis and Henderson sit on RFA’s board of directors, with Henderson previously serving as the organization’s chairman.
“We are thrilled to see Kelly and Mick being honored for their many contributions to the ethanol industry,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “These two longtime industry veterans have played an instrumental role in the success of the RFA—and the evolution of the ethanol industry—over the past several decades. They are both incredibly passionate about the work they do, day in and day out, to improve our nation’s economy and our world’s environmental quality. The entire RFA family congratulates Mick and Kelly on these well-deserved awards.”
The FEW Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the fuel ethanol industry through their research, technical advisory and/or development activities, making Davis the perfect candidate, Cooper said. She has been involved in the technical and regulatory side of the ethanol industry since the 1980s. She joined New Energy Blue in April after serving a decade as a director and vice president at RFA. Her work to advance the ethanol industry was previously featured in a 2021 blog series on the organization’s 40th anniversary.
The FEW’s High Octane Award honors those whose passion and unstoppable pursuits have significantly benefited the ethanol industry. As general manager at Commonwealth Agri-Energy, Henderson has proven himself time and again as one whose passion for rural America and renewable fuels is unstoppable. Henderson began his career in ethanol in the 1990s as a plant manager for ADM before taking the GM position at Commonwealth in 2003. As a board member and former officer of RFA, he has represented the industry at numerous forums and events over the years. Henderson served as RFA board chairman in 2016 and 2017.
Past recipients of the High Octane Award and Award of Excellence are listed here.
