ABC Board Election 2021

Adam Klaas is sales manager at Unison Solutions and has been in this position since 2010. As sales manager of Unison Solutions, Inc., primary responsibilities focus on sales, marketing, and promotion of Unison’s products. Before becoming sales manager, Adam was a Design Engineer/Project Manager at Unison as well as a PLC Programmer, Service and Start-up & Commissioning Technician.

Unison’s primary business is design, manufacture, and support of biogas conditioning and upgrading systems for the landfill, municipal wastewater treatment, agricultural and food processing markets.

Prior to working at Unison Adam worked as a Sales/Design Engineer for a Midwest company which designed, manufactured, and sold car shredders. Mr. Klaas received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

As a technology provider to the biogas industry for the last 16 years, I am constantly looking to advance biogas conditioning and upgrading offerings to make the industry more sustainable and efficient. I believe, and have seen, that as the biogas industry grows there will be huge technology advances in the sector. These advancements will make projects that were at one time infeasible now feasible.

If I were elected to the ABC board, I will work to grow the industry to drive these technology advancements allowing for more feasible project potential in the future.

Mr. Sheff brings 34 years of experience in the design and operation of digesters and nutrient management systems. His first digester started in December of 1991 at a packing facility in Plainwell, Michigan. He has provided trouble shooting for digestion systems across the United States and Europe and is a professional engineer licensed in 4 states. Mr. Sheff will provide principal oversight to all anaerobic digestion projects. Mr. Sheff is the current chairman of the ABC Board. 

My time on the Board of the American biogas Council (ABC) has been one of the highlights of my entire career. We have made so many positive impacts for the industry and hope is that you will allow me, with the next two years, to finish what we started. This coming year will be the First Annual Biogas Americas, this will focus on the Operators, Developers, Agriculture and Industry Owners and Technology Providers who are and will benefit from the efforts of the ABC. This will be a unique and special event catering to all participants in our industry. I am proud to be working on this effort daily, it is a labor of love.

As many have heard me say, I do this for your children and grandchildren. We must change the world and I start everyday thinking of how the ABC can move our agenda forward.

I humbly ask for two more years to fill out the plans we have on all fronts. Personally I am working daily to create a special event in June and continue to take operators training to new heights and have a certification program. This is more hands on training programs focused on various pieces of digester equipment and adding a developers training course.

As always contact me at any time to discuss a direction or path forward you would like to see the ABC undertake.

Brian M. Langolf, M.S. has 11 years of biogas operations, research, laboratory analysis, and consulting experience.  He currently works at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh serving as the Biogas Program Director.  This role involves technical oversight of biogas operations, conduct biogas research, provide digester training and consulting services, and internal and external program outreach.  This program supports many academic and sustainability programs on campus and in the local community.  Brian has been a member of the American Biogas Council (ABC) since 2012 and has currently served two terms on the board of directors.  

If re-elected to the ABC board I would like to continue to bring technical expertise and leadership to projects that improve the standardization and safety of the biogas industry.  I have been very involved in the development and implementation of programs such as the Digester Operator Training Program and Digestate Certification Program and would like to continue to work on these and other related programs to further development of the U.S. biogas industry.  The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has a core pillar revolving around sustainability. ABC strengthens that mission by promoting renewable and sustainable energy especially in rural communities surrounding our campus. 

Charles Love manages the renewable energy acquisition team for Trillium, which is a member of the Love’s Travel Stops extended family of companies. Love’s is one of the largest privately held companies in America, with 560+ locations in 41 states. Trillium is focused on building the infrastructure required to support a low-carbon transportation future, including hydrogen fuel cell, battery electric, solar and renewable natural gas technologies.

Charles is responsible for managing the development of RNG projects for the company including dairy farms, wastewater treatment facilities and landfills. Mr. Love also works with RNG developers to market their gas production through offtake agreements. Charles is also an advocate for the industry; he works on public policy items related to RNG & Hydrogen transportation regulations.

Charles graduated from St. Gregory’s University and started his third company at the age of 21 (seafood importing, processing, distribution, and retail). Charles changed gears going from the seafood business into the renewable energy industry and now lives in Austin with his wife of twenty-five years and three children.

Charles believes we can all do our part to make the world a better place for future generations and we need a 100-year comprehensive energy policy that goes beyond the next election cycle.

I’m honored to serve ABC members and believe in advocating for domestic RNG production, specifically for agriculture digesters. There are new opportunities emerging to grow this market over the next 20 years. If re-elected, I would work to expand membership to companies and organizations that benefit from the production and or end use of domestic RNG.  I will continue to advocate for regulations and policies favorable to our industry and work to establish a pathway in the RFS for both an eRIN and an hRIN (hydrogen).

Iain Cooper is the CEO at SeekOps Inc, based in Austin, providing the energy industry with reliable, accurate and timely emissions detection, quantification and reporting. He was previously with Schlumberger for 28 years, most recently founding their successful Corporate Venture Capital activity. Iain co-authored the Textbook on ‘Advanced Drilling & Well Technology” for the Society of Petroleum Engineers, and has 26 granted US Patents. He is on the advisory board at Houston Mechatronics and on the Board of Directors of Jacobi Motors Inc. Iain is a Chartered Scientist, and Fellow of the Institute of Physics.

An effective communicator, and with a successful track record in supporting venture-backed technology companies in the energy industry, Iain would also help focus on the exploration, testing and adoption of innovative, cost-effect technologies within the biogas sector, highlighting the role that both small and large corporations can play in maximizing biogas/biomethane production, without compromising on safety. With his global reach and network, Iain would also push for a greater sharing of development experiences across the globe, to enable rapid dissemination of lessons learned, and the development of industry best practices. Iain would also use his extensive network within academia to not only showcase the benefits of renewable natural gas as a key element of the energy transition, but also highlight the opportunities for students, both from a commercial workplace post-graduation perspective, but also emphasizing the need for a robust global research community at the postdoctoral level in the many topics of relevance to the biogas community, including but not restricted to elements of engineering, science, and economics.

Joe Ayala holds a Chemical Engineering degree with specialization in gas separation systems from the National University of Technology in Argentina and a master’s degree in international business from the University of New England in Australia. He has over 26 years of experience applying technology-driven solutions to real business challenges. Joe has a deep understanding of process engineering, product and project management, sales, marketing, and business development. He has full P&L responsibility for Wartsila biogas business in North America and believes leadership determines a team success by assuming full ownership when facing seeming impossible challenges. His professional experience prior to Wartsila includes business development for a start-up analytical technology company and Air Liquide as well as independent consulting.

RNG is perfectly positioned for the energy transition to clean fuels that is taking place right now in America. If elected to the ABC board I will work tirelessly to educate private and public stakeholders on the advantages of renewable natural gas and increase the membership of our organization.

Mark Stoermann is the Chief Operating Officer for Newtrient. Mark came to this position as an outgrowth of his experience with developing and building CNG stations, anaerobic digesters, and the biogas upgrading system at Fair Oaks Farms.

Before coming to Newtrient, Mark was the Chief Operating Officer for STAR BioEnergy LLC, the anaerobic digestion division of STAR Energy LLC, a company committed to the development of sustainable, renewable energy projects across the country. Mark was previously the Director of Operations for AMP Americas, a company committed to building out CNG infrastructure along the U.S. highway system. As the Project Manager for Fair Oaks Dairy Farms and Select Milk Producers, Mark was responsible for the construction of three anaerobic digesters that processed sand laden dairy manure. These projects included electrical generation, gas cleaning, rCNG as transportation fuel, and nutrient recovery projects.

In addition to the renewable energy industry, Mark has worked in the dairy and food processing industry over the past 35 years holding a variety of project, operations, and material management positions. He worked for Kraft Foods, Michigan Milk Producers, Raskas Cheese Products, ConAgra Foods, Fair Oaks Dairy Farm and Select Milk Producers. 

I have been a part of the biogas industry for over 20 years and had key roles in many projects related to bringing this form of renewable energy to a place where it’s full value can be realized. I believe in the important work that is being done by the ABC and would be honored to continue serving on the board as we move the industry forward. I look forward to continuing to provide input and leadership for the exciting initiatives that started with the rebranding and will now be continued with the Biogas Americas Conference by ABC. I will also continue to participate on the important outreach that ABC does to Federal & State Legislators and Regulatory Personnel. We have accomplished so much over my time on the board and the opportunities ahead of us are truly exciting.

Mike has more than 25 years of experience providing financial advisory and private investment banking services to clients, the last 14 years focused exclusively on the energy and infrastructure industry. This includes development support, deal structuring, tax credit monetization, grant procurement, funding placement of both equity and debt and general corporate finance consulting.

Mike assists clients in a wide range of energy sectors including utilities, manufacturers, universities, municipalities and developers. Scope of assistance typically includes a lead role in the project/transaction, including feasibility, due diligence and project development support, deal structuring and valuation support, identification and sourcing of capital needs, transaction/funding negotiation and closing support.

Mike was an original founder of Baker Tilly’s Energy and Infrastructure (EIG) practice in late 2007. Since that time, the EIG team has supported over 210 projects that are either built or under construction, ranging from $5 million to $400 million and totalling more than $3.9 billion of construction value. These projects include energy from waste, biomass, wind, solar, hydro and geothermal heating and cooling.

Prior to 2007, Mike advised clients on more than $350 million of completed transactions across a wide variety of industries.

I appreciate very much being nominated for the ABC Board of Directors election. The opportunity to continue to actively support this organization and industry is one of great interest to me both personally and professionally.

If elected, I would plan to contribute in the following manner:

• Actively participate with coordination and implementation of outreach and education efforts with the financial community in order to increase their comfort level in funding biogas projects. This would include the following types of funding parties:
  • Regional and national banks
  • Potential tax investors
  • Private equity, mezzanine and other infrastructure funds
• Support ABC’s efforts with state and local government organizations that express interest in policies/initiatives to support biogas projects and apply incentives recently passed in the 2021 Infrastructure and Jobs Act.
• As appropriate, work within our firm’s client base to encourage new members to join ABC
• Participate as co-chair or another leadership role on an ABC committee – would look for input from existing Board members as to greatest area of need and fit for my background.

Nathalie Hoffman has been advising clients on matters related to the LCFS since it first went into effect in 2011.

When the regulation underwent a major amendment in 2018, it added validation and verification functions required to be performed by professionals certified as LCFS verifiers. Nathalie became certified by CARB as such a verifier in 2020, in the first class ever.

The amended LCFS also included substantial new requirements for companies with existing certified fuel pathways and those wishing to get their pathways certified. Nathalie realized these companies would need assistance navigating the amended regulation and she founded LCFS Consulting Services, Inc. to provide that assistance.

While LCFS Consulting assists producers of traditional liquid biofuels like ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel, it specializes in RNG and innovative fuel pathways. Nathalie therefore joined the ABC and now serves as Co-Chair of the Agriculture Committee where she is working with others to expand the categories of livestock manure that can obtain an ultra-low carbon intensity score under the LCFS.

Typical projects for LCFS Consulting include determining the estimated CI of a proposed fuel pathway and advising project sponsors on ways to potentially lower it, preparing estimated CI reports for alternative fuel producers, their investors and bankers, assisting with the fuel pathway application process, including interface with appropriate CARB staff, creating the required monitoring plans and assisting in the preparation of the required quarterly and annual reports after certification.

Nathalie also understands alternative fuel production from the point of view of a project developer. With a background as a lawyer representing banks for project finance deals, she was the CEO of a company developing a utility-scale biorefinery in California’s Imperial Valley. The feedstock was locally-grown agricultural biomass.

Her educational background includes an undergraduate BS degree in Mathematics from the University of Michigan, a JD degree from UCLA School of Law and an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. Nathalie is a member in good standing of the California Bar.

She’s located in Los Angeles, CA, with easy access to CARB in Sacramento.

I have become very active in the ABC and have been serving as Co-Chair of the newly-formed Agriculture Committee. On the Committee I’ve been working closely with Bryan Sievers and others to expand the types of livestock manure that can obtain an ultra-low carbon intensity score under the LCFS and to also add other members to the Committee. We have made excellent progress in attracting new members with different skill sets and relevant networks, as well as putting together a group of acclaimed professors from around the country to provide the science behind our efforts.

The LCFS has recently started a new amendment process. The RNG industry must be part of it, especially now that the environmental justice community is strongly attacking the inclusion of RNG derived from livestock manure. While the dairy industry has great representation in California, where the industry is extremely important, the beef cattle, swine and chicken-raising industries do not yet, and it’s important to have someone who represents those interests participating in the process.

Through my work on the Committee, I’ve learned a lot about beef cattle manure and chicken litter. In addition, I’m certified as an LCFS verifier, have been advising clients on the LCFS since its inception in 2011, and have long time relationships with decision makers and staff at CARB. For these reasons, I’m confident that I would do a good job as a representative of the ABC interests during the amendment process.

In closing, as a long-time Californian, I can confidently say that California has a different mentality than the mid-West or East – I know because I grew up and worked in in the East and went to college in the mid-West – and as a Board member I will bring an understanding of that mentality to the Board’s decision-making process.

Sarah Brown is Vice President of Biogas Business Development and External Affairs at Nacelle Solutions, an industry leader in developing gas upgrading technology and services specifically designed for the RNG industry. In her role, Sarah leads development of new biogas projects and oversees marketing and government affairs. Prior to joining Nacelle Solutions, Sarah was the Executive Director of Industry Relations at American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) based in Washington, DC. In this capacity, she launched AFBF’s industry relations efforts to cultivate strategic partnerships with the agriculture value chain and industry stakeholders to build trust in America’s farmers and to develop alternative revenue generating initiatives for the association. While at Farm Bureau, Sarah represented the organization on numerous agricultural industry boards including Bayer Crop Science’s Grower Advisory Board, Field to Market’s Grower Advisory Group, the Animal Ag Alliance Supply Chain Committee, and the Center for Food Integrity.

Sarah is actively engaged in the ABC Agriculture Committee and currently serves on the Renewable Natural Gas Coalition’s Leadership Advisory Board and the RNG Coalition’s Sustainability and Education Committees. Sarah currently serves on Cornell’s University’s Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in her second term, is an active leader in the Christ Child Society of Washington, DC, and is a member of DC Women in Ag and the Agribusiness Club of Washington.

Sarah is a graduate of Cornell University and resides in Washington, DC.

Growing up on an 8th generation family farm, the future viability for farm businesses is central to what drives me each day at Nacelle Solutions “Nacelle”. Prior to stepping into my role at Nacelle, I led American Farm Bureau Federation’s Industry Relations efforts in Washington, DC for eight years as Executive Director. In this capacity I cultivated strategic partnerships with the agriculture value chain and managed external communications with public and private sector industry stakeholders to strengthen the organization’s impact. I have spent the majority of my career at the tip of the spear defending the livestock industry and building coalitions, leading educational efforts, and developing strategic campaigns to inform key stakeholders of the potential of livestock’s sustainability story. I have worked closely with the U.S. and global research community across land-grant universities, private foundations, and government research entities to support educational efforts. I currently serve on Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Advisory Board, a leading research entity for sustainable livestock systems and climate change mitigation. Sustainability is at the forefront of commitments and decisions being made across governments, the private sector, consumer-facing brands and investors, driving supply chains toward carbon-neutral solutions. The biogas industry is positioned to transform the future of clean energy and the viability of heritage waste management industries. As new policies are being written and corporate commitments are being redesigned, strategic advocacy efforts will be the keystone to build a pathway for the future of our industry. I look forward to serving as a resource in Washington for the American Biogas Council.

Who am I? I’m a doer, passionate about technology and developing a more sustainable future. An entrepreneurial, self-directed, project manager who brings a goal-driven attitude, technical and policy understanding, and proven persuasive ability. A solver of problems with a growth mindset. I have more than 15 years of varied Energy and Utility industry experience with an in-depth knowledge of financial modeling, market dynamics, business development and delivering multiple projects with a value greater than 10 million.

Over 14 years of experience in the Energy trading industry as power and natural gas trader for JP Morgan, two years as a Utility Resources Planner, and now partnering with engineering firms developing Waste to Energy Projects. Advisor and development team member on Biogas projects, particularly in the swine industry. Master’s degree in Economics

I am well known for my enthusiasm and support for the Biogas industry and ABC.

If elected to the ABC Board I will continue to help support the organization by showing up, supporting ABC programs with continuous involvement in the ABC Ag, Policy, and RNG committees, and encouraging other companies to join.

My background in the energy space has allowed me to develop a robust network of C-level Energy Industry executives. I will work to introduce my network of decision-makers and others to the key role RNG plays in a Low Carbon Future.

I know the ABC has been instrumental in my growth and in the growth of the RNG industry. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and help ABC continue this trajectory.

Mr. Nesler is a senior business executive with 45 years of expertise in the global energy business, and has been responsible for profitable growth in challenging, competitive and volatile customer markets.  He is currently Chief Executive Officer and a Board Director of Evers & Sons, Inc. and was previously a Board Director, President and CEO of Dimension Energy Services.  Mr. Nesler was also Chairman and CEO of Energy Maintenance Services (EMS), an infrastructure maintenance services company; under his leadership, EMS grew out of its infancy into an established name in the energy industry, acquiring 24 businesses and earning a Moody’s investment grade credit rating.  He spent the longest tenure of his career with Marathon Oil Company and its affiliates, serving in positions from accounting manager to President of Marathon Power Company, Ltd., a subsidiary.

Mr. Nesler’s specialties are strategic planning and corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, and equity and debt placements. He also instills a strong emphasis of team building, communication, planning, and organization into management teams. He is a global professional with global industry experience including in Canada, Asia, Saudi Arabia, South America, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and India.

Mr. Nesler is both a graduate of the University of Findlay and Houston Baptist University, where he earned his MBA in international business. Mr. Nesler serves on the University of Findlay Board of Trustees and as Co-Chairman of the Business Affairs Committee and Audit Committee member, Board of Trustees for Today’s Harbor for Children, and Board Chairman of ZEEP, Inc. (clean energy-zero carbon footprint); and in the past served as an Independent Director on the Boards of Directors of the Fort Bend County Economic Development Council, Phillips Resources, Inc., TWP INC, Opal Energy Corp (a Canadian Publicly traded company) and as Chairman of Opal Energy Corp’s Audit Committee.

In my broad career of 45 years, exposure to numerous environments, organizations, governments, and technologies provides me the multi-experiences a Board Member must have to perform productive and meaningful participation in the Board of Directors.  With the current focus being upon ESG and Diversity,  my learned experiences by working with numerous cultures, types of not-for-profit and profit organizations and various international and domestic governments, provides me with unique qualifications to meet the challenges and opportunities facing the Board of Directors.

Being able to assess future needs and directions draws upon my knowledge base of governance, ethics and discipline that should be expected of a future Board Member, thereby benefiting the Board of Directors.  My professional principles are guided as a licensed certified public accountant; information is carefully analyzed and weighed before recommendations and decisions are made.  If selected as a Board Member, I look forward to assisting the continuing success of the full Board of Directors.

I am a Minneapolis-based business attorney and have worked in every Midwest state on ethanol, biodiesel, solar, and RNG energy projects.  I have also worked with many agriculture-related companies, including large dairies and cattle operations that have installed or examined RNG and AD for compressed natural gas (CNG) for dual-use trucks, solar for shade and even a large cattle feedlot in North Dakota that airlifted cattle to Ukraine.  I focus almost exclusively on renewable energy and sustainability companies and projects.

I work with impact companies and the investors that fund them. Developers, technology companies, private equity, venture capital and infrastructure funds hire me to help with developing and financing sustainable and impact projects, including renewable and conventional energy projects, clean tech, agriculture tech and food tech companies and infrastructure projects.  I get hired because I get results.

I also work with entrepreneurs and technology focused companies to start up, create their companies, hire employees, raise angel, venture, crowdfunding and other financing, grow their businesses, buy other companies and sell their business when the time is right.

As a co-founder of a boutique law firm, I work with passion and genuine interest in my clients.

My favorite book is “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.” I was born in Canada and lived in Brussels, Belgium for four years learning to like mayonnaise on French fries.  I love Chess (both the game and the musical). I believe expertise combined with passion is the best way to serve my clients. 

Todd Taylor is the president of Avisen Legal, a business boutique law firm in Minneapolis. With over 20 years of biogas experience, Todd knows how to successfully execute the intricacies of biogas projects and has done so in the U.S. and internationally.  Todd also have over 20 years of experience working for and on boards as legal counsel and as a board member, including as committee chairperson and board chairperson.  Todd brings a practical perspective of someone who works with a variety of biogas interests to move from policy to project.  Todd’s board service philosophy has always been as a servant leader, keeping the needs and goals of the members first and foremost.  

As a member of the American Biogas Council Board of Directors, Todd would use his business, legal, and well-honed biogas experience to provide guidance and direction to the Board, its committees, and its members.

Thomas Murray currently serves as the Vice President of Decarbonization Technology for VGS (Vermont Gas Systems), overseeing the company’s efforts to achieve NetZero emissions by 2050. Tom is leading the company’s innovation initiatives, which include becoming the first gas utility in the nation to offer a Renewable Natural Gas program (2018), Green Hydrogen pilot projects and other decarbonation efforts. Tom serves on the American Gas Association’s Sustainability Committee (past Chairman) and on the Board for the American Biogas Council, where he is driving the national effort to incorporate RNG into the supply portfolio of the nation’s gas utilities. Tom also handles legislative, community and key stakeholder relationships for the company. Prior to joining Vermont Gas, Tom served as the state of Vermont’s Chief Information Officer and the Commissioner of Information and Innovation. He has also served as the state’s Deputy Commissioner of the Economic Development. Tom worked in the telecommunications industry for over fifteen years with TDS Telecom and Rural Cellular Corporation. Tom grew up in Montpelier, VT, graduated from Western New England University (BS/BA) and Champlain College (MS).

It has been an honor to serve on the ABC Board, I am a passionate advocate for the Biogas industry and the growing opportunity presented by Renewable Natural Gas. As a board member, I am striving to strengthen the organization and to build more momentum within the gas utility sector to allow timely, low-cost interconnections. At VGS we are selling RNG to voluntary customers and blending RNG in our base supply with a goal of 20% RNG by 2023. The industry faces an inflection point, where policy changes at the state level are providing an opportunity for even greater acceleration of growth. It would be my pleasure to continue to serve on the ABC board in meeting these challenges and achieving the industry’s full potential.