The Renewable Fuels Association elected officers and its board of directors today at its annual membership meeting in Milwaukee. Jeff Oestmann, CEO of Aztalan Bio, near Johnson Creek, Wisc., was elected chair. Oestmann’s long career in ethanol and agriculture includes leadership roles at Granite Falls Energy, Syngenta, and East Kansas Agri-Energy.
“It's a true honor to step into the role of chairman of the Renewable Fuels Association during such an exciting and transformative time for our industry,” Oestmann said. “Technology is unlocking new ways to harness the power of grains, enabling us to make strides toward greater sustainability. But as we push the boundaries of what renewable fuels can accomplish, we must also stand together to face the challenges ahead. The strength of our community has never been more important. Our industry is navigating new economic, regulatory, and environmental terrain, and by working together, we can meet these challenges head-on. I'm eager to collaborate with our dedicated members to continue strengthening biofuels' role in driving economic growth, advancing energy security, and positioning our industry as a leader in global sustainability efforts. Together, we will expand biofuels' impact, both domestically and globally, achieving sustainability goals that once seemed out of reach.”
RFA’s board also elected Derek Peine, CEO of Western Plains Energy in Oakley, Kan., as vice chairman.
“Jeff is an experienced leader in the renewable fuels industry with a proven talent for bringing people together to tackle complex challenges,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “He’s a big-picture thinker with a compelling vision for the industry’s future. I’m also excited to welcome Derek as our new vice chairman, and I look forward to working with both these exceptional leaders to pursue an even brighter future for ethanol. As we look forward to the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2025, we know we’re in good hands with Jeff and Derek at the helm.”
Others elected to RFA board leadership are Tim Winters, president and CEO of Western New York Energy, as Board Secretary, and David Zimmerman, CEO of Big River Resources, as Board Treasurer. Click here for the full list of board members for FY 2025.
Elected to leadership of the Renewable Fuels Foundation for 2025 were Chairman Neal Kemmet, Ace Ethanol; Vice Chairman Wayne Garrett, Chief Ethanol Fuels; and Treasurer Eric Baukol, Redfield Energy. The foundation is dedicated to meeting the education, research and strategic planning needs of the U.S. fuel ethanol industry.
