ABC Board Election 2023

Alan Johnson entered the renewable energy space in 2009 as a member of the Quasar Energy Group (originally Schmack BioEnergy) where his role included Business Development, Project Mgt, Engineering Manager and Engineer of Record. During his tenure at Quasar, the company built over 10 digester projects ranging in size from 50 wet tons per day to 3,000 wet tons per day normally with combined biomass (WWTP biosolids and food waste, dairy manure and food waste, food waste only, dairy manure only, etc.). The biogas was either converted to electrical power for onsite use and export to the grid or RNG for direct injection into interstate pipelines.

In 2020, Mr. Johnson shifted his focus to a business development role at the back end of the digesters and landfills with the purification of biogas and landfill gas. Initially with Xebec and currently with SysAdvance, Mr. Johnson assists project developers, investors, obligated parties, and others with understanding the benefits of using Pressure Swing Adsorption technology for the gas clean-up step required in order to create RNG revenue from the projects they are interested in.

Mr. Johnson is a frequent speaker at trade organization conferences, has been an active member of the board of directors over the last several years and is proud to be part of the American Biogas Council.

Several years ago, Mr. Johnson began to promote the merits of “digestate” and has continued to advocate that digestate and it’s ability to offset traditional fertilizer, improve soil tilth and soil carbon need to be the “next big thing” for ABC. We are beginning to see “product” not “problem” beginning to catch fire within the Council, and this is beginning to transcend into the marketplace.

As a member of the Board of Directors, I would continue to play an active role as a board member and general member of the ABC and would continue to be an objective member of the body, supporting all that we do as an organization.

As a member of the Board of Directors, I would continue to play an active role as a board member and general member of the ABC and would continue to be an objective member of the body, supporting all that we do as an organization.

Having more than 14 years of experience in this market, I feel that I have been around since “the beginning”. A decade ago, ABC was a fledgling organization working on establishing a presence while working in tandem with “BioCycle”. During these many years, I have been part of everything that has gone on in our industry. I understand anaerobic digestion having lived it for a decade, I have worked through the 1603 ITC during the Obama administration and am now working through the Biden IRA/ITC. I have made electricity and exported it into the regulated space the states of Ohio, New York, Massachusetts and Maine. I have made RNG and injected it into the Kinder-Morgan interstate pipelines in Arizona. I have beneficially applied biosolids, Class B and Class A, and non-regulated food waste and dairy waste digestate on field in Ohio, Arizona, New York, Massachusetts and Maine. I understand “not in my back yard” and the issues associated with negative social media.

Several years ago, I began to promote the merits of “digestate” and has continued to advocate that digestate and it’s ability to offset traditional fertilizer, improve soil tilth and soil carbon need to be the “next big thing” for ABC. We are beginning to see “product” not “problem” beginning to catch fire within the Council, and this is beginning to transcend into the marketplace.

All this is to say that I understand the industry in the broadest of terms and will bring this understanding and experience to what I can offer the ABC as a Board of Directors member.

Andrew Wedel, P.E. is the Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Settje Agri-Services and Engineering where he is responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of all aspects of manure system design related to anaerobic digestion systems including feedstock quantification/characterization, project feasibility, pre-treatment/thickening, long-distance pipeline conveyance, sand-manure separation systems, bedding recovery, and digestate processing.  In addition to performing these services for dairy clients, Andrew is actively involved in developing AD technologies and feedlot manure management systems for beef cattle feedyards. 

Andrew has consulted on and designed manure systems in conjunction with anaerobic digestion plants worldwide and on some of the longest operating dairy digesters in the U.S.  In addition, Andrew was instrumental in developing successful strategies for handling sand-laden manure as well as sand-manure separation technologies. 

Andrew is a Professional Engineer (PE) and he holds an M.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Michigan State University and a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from University of Delaware.  Other professional activities include PE exam development in the agricultural discipline as a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and teaching university courses in environmental engineering.   

Andrew Wedel, P.E. is an agricultural engineer with thirty years of experience designing all aspects of manure management systems.  Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in expanding anaerobic digester (AD) adoption and biogas production on dairy farms by designing systems to successfully integrate ADs with an individual farm’s management strategies.  Specifically, Andrew was instrumental developing strategies for handling sand-laden dairy manure and sand-manure separation systems as AD pre-treatment.  Based in Pennsylvania, Andrew is the Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Settje Agri-Services and Engineering headquartered in Raymond, Nebraska.   

Manure-based anaerobic digestion systems are comprised of far more than reactors, gas clean-up, and pipeline interconnects.  Instead, AD plants must be successfully integrated with the animal operations from which they are receiving feedstock.  Speaking specifically in terms of dairy farms, integration of the AD must be done in a manner that does not negatively impact cow management, cow comfort and milk production.  This requires a practical, hands-on understanding of dairy farming and how cows are milked, cooled, housed, bedded as well as how manure is collected.  Not understanding these details results in projects underperforming in terms of gas production and potentially dissatisfied farm partners and/or investors.  Andrew consults regularly with project developers to ensure farm candidates are proposed AD technologies that are compatible with the dairy’s animal management systems. 

Andrew’s practical engineering experience has involved numerous projects successfully integrating ADs with dairy operations throughout the world in very challenging environmental conditions and feedstocks.  These projects include some of the longest operating ADs in the US.  In an effort to continue to expand AD adoption and biogas production, Andrew is leading a team developing strategies and systems for AD of beef feedlot manure—an abundant, yet challenging AD feedstock.  To that end, as many of the “easy” projects in animal agriculture have been developed.  To increase AD adoption, there will be an increased need for practical and innovative manure management solutions.  Andrew’s hands-on engineering and business experience in this area would be helpful in offering guidance and insights to the American Biogas Council and growing the biogas industry, in general.  

Bernie Sheff holds both a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University. He started his career with STS Consultants (STS) in 1984 as an assistant project engineer. He became the VP of the Michigan region for STS in 1990. He has been a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan since 1988 and is registered in several other states.  

In 1991, while at STS, he completed his first digestion project at a large beef abattoir for pretreatment of high strength wastewater in front of a 1 MGD wastewater treatment facility. The digester is in operation and currently part of an 8 MW peaking facility. This first project became one of many projects in the animal processing arena including systems at duck, chicken and hog processing operations.  

Beginning is early 2000 he focused on nutrient recovery, sand separation and digestion in the agricultural market, most significantly the dairy industry. This included early on the co-digestion of residuals from confined feeding operations and food processing residuals with beef and dairy manure. In the sand separation area, Bernie developed the first closed loop sand separation system in 2004. This same system is still in operation and has provided the blueprint for closed loop systems to the present. 

Most recently he provided the process design for several large combined manure management system digesters in the United States. Currently he is a Partner at US Renewable Energy Development Capital providing funding for Renewable Energy and Fertilizer Projects. Bernie has been an ABC Board member for 13 years is currently serving his fifth term as Chairman of the Board of the American Biogas Council. During this time the ABC has increased membership/budget significantly and has hosted the largest Renewable Energy event ever in the United States in Chicago of May 2023. 

Reflecting on a decade as Chairman of the Board of the American Biogas Council (ABC), I am struck by a journey marked by profound growth and relentless commitment. From a modest beginning with fewer than 100 members and a $140K budget, we’ve soared to over 400 company members and ratified a $5M budget. Our growth isn’t just in numbers. It is in our impact and reach. 

My tenure has been driven by a deeply personal connection to biogas – not just as my occupation but as my advocation. It is a field where my professional expertise and personal passion converge, fueling my dedication to the ABC. 

 Although I have been blessed over these past years to be employed by companies that allowed me to participate in the ABC meetings and events, I have always been an At-Large member. That is, I have always had to run for election to the Board. I take this election by the open Membership as very significant, always trying to act in the best intentions of the entire open Membership. This means making every Board meeting that I am on the ground for, participating in as many committee meetings as possible and voting in every Board decision with the entire Membership’s point of view.  

As I personally stand at this juncture, the question arises – why seek another term? My answer lies in the unfinished paths we’ve embarked upon. Our significant policy efforts, the infrastructure that awaits completion, and the expanding training programs are all a good start, but chapters are yet to be written. Our role at the nexus of clean air, clean water, and sustainable agriculture is not just an opportunity but a responsibility to lead. 

In Savannah last September speaking to the entire Board, I likened our progress to a robust engine pulling an ever-growing number of boxcars. Yet, for this engine to journey further, it needs tracks – a structured, solid foundation of bents and trestles that supports expansion and guides our path forward. 

I envision an ABC where our strong foundation supports even greater achievements – like the full-time Policy VP role we established and the crucial positions of Communications Director and Curriculum Director that await talented leaders. 

Our Communication Director needs to help promote the truthful message out to the nation, many of whom don’t understand the true benefits possible from the generation and capture of biogas in landfills and digesters. A Curriculum Director needs to address the training programs we have put in place to keep expanding to affect a strong professional operators’ workforce nationwide. This includes fertilizers from residuals of biogas generation as part of the sustainable agriculture movement.  

Lastly, I invite you to view a short video on the US RED Capital YouTube channel that illustrates my daily commitment to renewable lands, sustainability and energy where a completely unscripted pileated woodpecker makes an appearance.  

In asking for your vote, I seek not just the privilege to serve again but the opportunity to fortify the legacy we are building together. Let us continue this journey, harnessing the potential of biogas to shape a sustainable, thriving future. 

Thank you for your support [or consideration], 

b 

Brad joined Greenlane, a leading global provider of biogas upgrading systems, in 2017 as global president, then became CEO after completing the listing the company on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2019. Brad led the company through several rounds of financings in the capital markets and a period of rapid expansion with top line 3 year revenue CAGR of 85%. In 2023, after bringing on an operationally focused CEO, and freed from the day-to-day running of the business, Brad moved into the full time role of Executive Vice Chair at Greenlane to focus on realizing the full potential of the most important strategic opportunities in the global RNG industry.

Prior to joining Greenlane, Brad spent 25 years in the natural gas commercial vehicle industry. He was co-founder of Westport Innovations Inc. in 1995, a leading global provider of natural gas engine and vehicle technology and of Cummins Westport Inc. in 2001, a leading supplier of natural gas engines for trucks and buses, where he held various executive positions forging relationships and partnerships with engine and vehicle makers around the world. Brad is trained as an engineer with a Master of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia. Brad is based at Greenlane’s global headquarters in Vancouver, BC.

Six years ago, when I first joined the biogas industry as President of Greenlane (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynSTR_Aegq4), like many of us, the first place I turned was the American Biogas Council to learn more and to get involved. In my case, I was coming from a career spanning 25 years in the adjacent industry of natural gas trucks and buses, which was early to embrace renewable natural gas. I was deeply impressed by the energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of the people involved with the American Biogas Council and their passion to get biogas noticed as an essential solution for creating a truly circular economy. As a clean-tech executive for my entire career working on market, business and technology development, this aligned perfectly with my own vision of leading change in decarbonizing global energy systems.

Prior to joining the biogas industry, I was a member of the board of NGVAmerica, the national voice for the natural gas vehicle industry, so I wanted to get involved right away with the American Biogas Council. In 2018, I helped drive the rebranding of the American Biogas Council to elevate the professionalism of the organization and help attract business and interest from Fortune 500 companies. It was only a matter of time for biogas to hit the main stage and it was therefore essential to position the American Biogas Council to be the go-to industry hub for a growing number of entrants into the space as sophisticated financial players and multinational energy companies were all wanting to find ways to quickly scale up biogas-to-RNG projects in the rush to decarbonize.

I think we can all agree that biogas has hit the radar in a significant way and the American Biogas Council has lived up to its mission statement of championing the growth of the biogas industry by representing, informing, connecting and training. But continuing to fulfil this mission and advance the biogas agenda is no easy task as our industry continues to expand in a crowded field of voices and opinions. We face a growing amount of opposition from groups that should be embracing and supporting us. Continued growth and positive evolution of our industry requires contributions from and collaboration between the many experienced and dedicated people from across our industry. This is why I am running to join the Board of the American Biogas Council.

Brian M. Langolf, M.S. has 20 years of professional experience and 14 of those as the Biogas Program Director at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.  This role involves technical oversight of biogas operations, biogas research, digester training, and consulting services. Brian has been a member of the American Biogas Council (ABC) since 2012 and on the board of directors since 2017.  Brian has had integral roles in the creation and leadership of Digester Operator School.  He has contributed to other committees such as the Digestate Certification and Agriculture Committees.   

It has been my honor to serve on the ABC Board of Directors over the past 6 years to support the advancement of biogas in the US.  If re-elected, I would continue efforts to grow and strengthen the industry.  I will get involved on the ground level to get work done as evidenced by my efforts in the creation and administration of Operator School since 2017.  I am well-positioned to contribute to the growth and standardization of Operator School and other key ABC initiatives.  I bring experience in digester operations/maintenance, laboratory testing, technical consulting, research, training, and outreach. These skills would continue to bring value to the ABC Board of Directors and the success of its initiatives in the future.   

Brian brings over 25 years of experience in environmental, engineering, construction, and renewable energy markets. He has progressed from technical design and project management roles through significant business development roles to an effective leader of complex technical matters and teams. Prior to Vision RNG, Brian spent six years leading an engineering department for a Fortune 500 waste and environmental services firm. He also spent another six years leading the business development of their renewable energy platform, with a primary focus on renewable natural gas. He successfully tripled the renewable energy EBITDA, set up an industry-leading $1B joint venture, and put the Company on a trajectory to accomplish a long-range primary ESG goal. Brian is a graduate of Lehigh University and Georgia Institute of Technology with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering and M.B.A. in Management of Technology. 

Hello, my name is Brian Martz, and I am the COO of Vision RNG. I have been active in the biogas industry for more than 25 years and am writing to express my interest in joining the board of directors of the ABC.  

I believe fully in the potential of this industry to create jobs, environmental benefits, and energy security for our country. I want to join the board of directors of the ABC because I want to contribute to the continued growth and success of the biogas industry and the ABC. I have a vision of a biogas industry that is competitive, sustainable, and resilient, and that can meet the increasing demand for clean and renewable energy. I believe that the ABC plays a vital role in advancing this vision by representing and promoting the interests and views of the biogas industry to various stakeholders, such as policymakers, regulators, investors, customers, and the public. 

As a board member, I would bring my skills, expertise, and experience to support the ABC’s mission and strategic direction. I would also leverage my network and influence to advocate for the biogas industry and the ABC at the local, state, and federal levels. I am particularly interested in working on the following areas or issues: 

• Increasing the awareness and recognition of the biogas industry and its benefits among the general public and the media. 
• Expanding the market and policy opportunities for biogas and RNG. 
• Enhancing the collaboration and communication among the biogas stakeholders, such as developers, operators, equipment vendors, service providers, utilities, end users, and advocates. 

• Fostering the innovation and research in the biogas sector, such as new technologies, processes, and applications. 

I am confident that I can add value to the board of directors of the ABC and help the ABC achieve its goals and objectives. I am eager to work with the other board members and the ABC staff to serve the biogas industry and the ABC members. I appreciate your consideration of my candidacy and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please feel free to contact me at bmartz@visionrng.com or (480) 493-8269 if you have any questions or comments. Thank you. 

Charles Love is the RNG portfolio manager for Trillium, which is a member of the Love’s family of companies, one of the largest privately held companies in America with 730+ locations in 42 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, wastewater, food waste facilities and landfills. Mr. Love, who works with RNG developers to market biogas production through offtake agreements. Charles is an advocate for the development of biogas projects and follows regilations and public policy developments impacting the industry. 

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-seven years and three chrildren. Charles believes we can all do our part to make the world a better place for future generations and believes the United States needs a comprehensive energy policy that goes beyond the next election cycle.

I’m honored to have served as an elected member of the ABC Board since 2020 and if re-elected will continue to advocate for the industry supporting policies that build domestic biogas production. There are new opportunities and threats emerging to our industry which is why we need active and angaged members. My primary focus will be to expand membership to companies and organizations that benefit from the production and or end use of biogas, together we are stronger. 

As a Sr. Business Development Manager at Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation, I leverage my 15+ years of engineering and sales experience to deliver high-performance solutions for heavy commercial, industrial, and utility customers. I have a Master of Science in Engineering Management and a Six Sigma Green Belt certification, which enable me to optimize resource planning, project management, and quality control processes. 
 
I am passionate about engineering excellence and innovation, and I work with a talented team of engineers and manufacturers to design and implement cutting-edge burner, combustion, fuel handling, and nuclear outage equipment. I also partner with a diverse range of clients, from government agencies and medical centers to power plants and data centers, to provide them with customized and reliable products and services. My goal is to contribute to Preferred Utilities’ mission of enhancing energy efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the industry. 

I will be honored to contribute to ABC as a member of the board of directors; my background is 20+ years in the power and process industries, bringing expertise on design and applications using low NOx and Ultra-low NOx burners and controls; some of these applications are, heaters, firetubes, watertube, and field-erected boilers, combusting a variety of fuels. In recent years, these industries have gone an additional leap into using low-carbon liquid and gas fuels and are striving towards the Net Zero effort in 2050. Many of the end-users in these industries are reluctant to switch due to many unknowns in operations, safety, and efficiency of their existing equipment when firing a new fuel. Knowledge is power, and organizations like ABC, provide the vehicle to spread knowledge and awareness of this important topic. 

Gus is one of four partners, Chief Innovation Officer, and the Director of Bioenergy Services for Cavanaugh & Associates, P.A.; a consulting firm that cultivates stewardship of our natural resources through innovation.  Gus is a passionate advocate for the beneficial reuse of water, carbon, nutrients, and all of our natural resources consumed in modern life.  Although his efforts in harvesting energy and valuable co-products from organic wastes span globally in the agricultural, food processing, and municipal sectors, he is most excited about the fervent opportunities for bioenergy development in the rural areas within the United States.  Gus serves as the Principal Designer and Project Manager for numerous biogas projects across the U.S., including the first three bioenergy projects in North Carolina to put renewable natural gas onto the pipeline.  Gus earned a B.S. in Biological & Agricultural Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1997, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in several states. 

The U.S. biogas industry has a very bright future, and we will face many very important challenges in the near term.  Our efforts to educate, communicate, and innovate have never been more critical.  As many in the U.S. are interpreting the goals to decarbonize our energy sector to mean “zero carbon-based energy”, it is imperative that we escalate our leadership in U.S. energy policy, and become trusted advisors to policy-makers, regulators, and the American public.  You will find none more passionate about our future than me, and if given the chance to serve our Council, will invest in the strengthening of our industry for all of us. 

Jessica Linville-LeRoy, Ph.D., E.I., CEM has over 15 years’ experience converting organic waste streams into renewable energy, fuels, and chemicals. She currently is a Sr. Bioenergy and Bioprocess Engineer at Tetra Tech focused on generating and converting biogas from livestock manure, food waste, industrial waste, and landfill gas to RNG.  At Tetra Tech, she focuses on project management for projects that include engineering, permitting, procurement, construction management, commissioning, turnover, and operations on both greenfield and brownfield projects.  Her leadership is key in effectively helping clients execute projects.   

She has optimized numerous anaerobic digesters including the complete turnaround of a 2.4M gallon heated, covered lagoon digester treating mixed industrial and other high-strength wastewater.  This project included the conversion of fats oils and grease (FOG) to biogas. She has also managed a $1.2M digester rebuild project. She currently works on projects across North America of similar focus.  

She has a diverse research background ranging from in depth microbiology to large scale anaerobic digestion development which has given her the ability to evaluate a wide array of technologies. She has run two startup companies giving her an in deep understanding of the business. She has a record of publications and presentations for audiences of both academics and non-experts. She has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Florida and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Tennessee.  

She has been a member of the American Biogas Council (ABC) through her various employment positions since 2013. She has served one term on the Board of Directors (2020) and has been an instructor of the ABC Digester Operator School since 2020.  

I have a market leading technical background that I will use to advance the ABC and the industry. If elected to the Board of Directors, I will elevate my involvement in the ABC Digester Operator School by improving current modules or developing new ones based on student feedback.  

I will strategize on how to accelerate the shift towards adding food waste, high-strength industrial wastewater and FOG to digesters by increasing the understanding of the impacts on the digester. I will help direct this understanding through community discussions, webinars or in-person training so that the industry can become more profitable through increased tipping fees and biogas production.  

I will be involved in the Policy Committee to spearhead additional focus to industrial and high-strength wastewater digesters. Current policy puts non-traditional digesters at a significant disadvantage but offers a large growth area for the biogas industry. 

In addition, I will be involved with the Digestate Committee so that the community can realize more value from the digestate that it produces. With current events highlighting the need for domestically produced, renewable fertilizers, I believe this is another large growth opportunity for the community.  

Joe Ayala has nearly 30 years of experience commercializing new technologies. He leads the ECONWARD TECH, LLC business in North America and believes bioenergy from anaerobic digestion is one of the pivotal solutions to address the climate change crisis.  Joe holds master’s degrees in chemical engineering, business administration and international business.  

Greatness resides within us, empowering us to stand against the looming specter of climate change. Picture a landscape where thermal hydrolysis orchestrates a symphony of change, enabling the deployment of anaerobic digestion facilities at every American landfill. Here, landfills cease to be mere repositories; they metamorphose into vibrant nuclei of sustainable energy.

In this vision, the mundane transforms into the extraordinary. These revitalized landfills transcend their traditional roles, becoming not only environmental guardians but thriving centers of profitability. I stand firm in the belief that they can be more than just a solution—they can be transformative profit centers, generating energy while fighting environmental degradation.

Jon Curry is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in operations management and engineering, primarily in the renewable energy and high-tech sectors. Since 2021, he has been the Director of Operations at LF Bioenergy in Houston, TX, where he oversees operational readiness, integrates programs for the Operations Division, and contributes to business development. His role involves ensuring safety, environmental compliance, technical training, maintenance, P&L, along with involvement in capex and opex planning, and data management. 

 Prior to LF Bioenergy, Curry held significant roles at Brightmark and Montauk Energy, managing operations and maintenance for multiple renewable natural gas plants and overseeing environmental and health & safety compliance. His experience spans several industries, including aerospace and defense at NTS where he led a team of technicians in the precision cleaning and packaging of parts. He managed a small team of operators at a food waste separation and processing facility for Divert Inc. As Supervising Production Engineer at Wafertech in Camas, WA, he managed a large team in a cleanroom environment, focusing on productivity and system optimization. 

 Curry’s educational background includes pursuit of an MBA and master’s in finance from Auburn University, a BS in Chemical Engineering with a double focus biomaterials and material science from Oregon State University, and an Associate of Arts from Lane Community College. His diverse coursework covers electronic materials, biochemistry, polymers engineering, financial analysis, supply chain planning, organizational leadership, project management, and much more, underlining a broad and versatile skill set. His career trajectory showcases his expertise in operational leadership, project management, and continuous improvement in technical and highly regulated environments. 

 In his free time, Curry enjoys the outdoors with family and friends. Hiking, fishing, and sports bring much fulfillment. The research and self-education he partakes in rounds out the rest of his time. His latest interest includes the emergence of AI and how it intersects with the rest of the world.  

Imagine a future fueled by energy hidden in plain sight – that’s the reality we’re building. Together, we’re unlocking the power of waste to energize our communities sustainably. My name is Jon Curry and at 37, I’m uniting traditional wisdom with innovative strategies to drive our energy sector to a greener tomorrow. Our collaborative efforts have established more than 2,300 AD projects across the US. This is shared leadership – a journey to a path that others can adopt.  

Blending my engineering expertise with business insights, I’m devising business solutions where biogas becomes an economic and environmental pillar. Joining the biogas realm, I envisioned a world where waste is merely the start of our energy story. Now, we’re bringing this vision to life daily with innovation and community engagement. I’ve helped to lead the enhancement of our biogas systems and initiated partnerships that have expanded our reach, proving small-scale efforts can have a vast impact. 

Real leadership means actual results. Through innovative digesters and carbon capture, we’re not just discussing change – we’re implementing it. With the advent of AI, biogas efficiency can be redefined, boosting plant performance to new levels. This is technology in service of a brighter, cleaner future. My experience ranges from local farms to global discussions, promoting standards that pave the way for international cooperation in biogas expansion and excellence. As a board member, I consider our successes as the foundation for a broader revolution where biogas empowers and rejuvenates, nationally and globally. Further, as an at large board member, I look forward to the prospect of providing a voice for those who don’t have it.  

Collaboration. Sustainability. Progress. Your support for me is support for a shared greener future. Your vote has the power to drive change. For innovation that nurtures our world, vote for action, vote for collaboration, vote for me. 

Connecting the dots between the corporate ESG goals of our feedstock providers, and the circular economy and renewable energy benefits of working with PurposeEnergy is the name of the game for Mark Riley.  As our business development and strategy lead, Mark is responsible for the origination of feedstocks needed to expand our corporate footprint and generate revenue.  Additionally, he is responsible for optimizing our strategy to monetize the offtake and environmental attributes associated with products generated by our anaerobic digestor process in both regulated and voluntary markets.  Mark joined PurposeEnergy after over 20 years with Clean Energy, a national leader in renewable natural gas production and vehicle fueling infrastructure.  There, he and his team helped major fleets take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of CNG and RNG as a vehicle fuel.  This makes Mark uniquely qualified to sit on the Board of Directors for ABC where he will positively contribute to the mission of ABC as it relates to maximizing carbon reduction and promoting economic growth using biogas systems.  Mark lives in New Hampshire where he enjoys being outdoors hiking and skiing with his family.  

Prior Board experience includes: 

Founder and Chair of the Board, Granite State Clean Cities Coalition, 2000-2002 

Chair of the Board, Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition, 2003-2005 

Board of Directors, Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition, 2006-2012 

Board of Directors, Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance, 2018-2022 

• Vice Chair, 2020-2022 

Members of the American Biogas Council,

I am Mark Riley, Senior Vice President at Purpose Energy.  Thank you for considering my nomination to the Board of Directors. 

Please view my statement of intent here, or read below.

Industry associations are an important component of a growing or an established market.  They provide a means to educate and encourage policies that even the playing field, or create opportunities to accelerate the growth of the overall industry.  

 The American Biogas Council’s mission to broaden the use of renewable biogas as part of the US’ energy transition aligns with my experience and passions, and it would be an honor to contribute to the association and serve the membership as a member of the Board.

 Prior to joining Purpose Energy, I spent 21 years at Clean Energy helping expand their footprint throughout the US and Canada for CNG and then RNG with government, utility, and corporate fleets.  It was incredible to be part of that industry’s evolution and witness the rapid advancement of RNG as a transportation fuel.                 

Over those years, I also participated in multiple non-profit industry Boards, including founding two Clean Cities coalitions and serving as Vice Chair of the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance.

 With your confidence electing me to the American Biogas Council board, I commit to 1) the best interests of the industry and the association membership, 2) strengthening the relevance and value chain for biogas as an integral part of the energy transition, and 3) being an active and tenacious voice for our industry.  Thank you for entrusting me with your vote. 

Mark Stoermann is the Chief Operating Officer for Newtrient LLC. Newtrient’s founding entities include leading dairy cooperatives from across the U.S. representing nearly 20,000 dairy farmers — and producing one-half of the nation’s milk supply — as well as the two associations that advance the entire dairy industry in terms of promotion, research, education, innovation, issues management, international trade and public policy National Milk Producers Federation and Dairy Management Inc. These organizations recognized the need to bring manure management technologies and providers together with dairy farmers, researchers and other stakeholders in order to seize the opportunities from manure, while supporting environmental sustainability. Mark came to the position of Chief Operating Officer as an outgrowth of his experience with developing and building renewable energy projects on dairy farms including electrical generation systems, CNG stations, anaerobic digesters, biogas upgrading systems and nutrient recovery systems. 

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 45 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 am seeking to stay on the Board of Directors of the American Biogas Council because I believe my experience within the industry and on the ABC Board, plus a proven record of getting things done, allows me to bring value to the ABC. Serving on the Board of Directors and having served in the role of ABC’s Vice Chair in the past has provided experience and learnings that are helping our industry. I am proud to have been part of some of ABC’s most significant accomplishments including: 

• Establishment of a National Digestate Certification Program  
• Initiating an Operator Training and Certification Program 
• Initiating Biogas America’s Live – ABC’s stand-alone conference 
• Initiating Biogas America’s RNG – ABC’s RNG conference 
• Effectively reaching out to the legislative and regulatory personnel on issues of importance to the industry 
• Assisting in the growth and stability of the ABC membership and financial stability over my time on the board 
• Co-chair of the ABC Agricultural Sub-Committee 

Ultimately, sustainability is a 14-letter word for doing the right thing. The American Biogas Council is leading an effort to help our country to reduce waste and find ways to utilize the full potential of our nation’s resources. Since it was founded in 2010, ABC has become a leading voice for the biogas industry in Washington DC and around the country. I feel privileged to be associated with the ABC, proud to be part of an effective and motivated team and I would be honored to continue to serve on the board of directors and to advance the ABC mission in the future. 

Nathalie Hoffman is a member of the Board of Directors of the ABC and serves as Co-Chair of its Agriculture Committee. She is Director of Energy Compliance Services at Weaver, www.weaver.com.  

Nathalie has been advising clients on matters related to the LCFS since it first went into effect in 2011 and is accredited by CARB as an LCFS verifier. She specializes in consulting on innovative LCFS pathways, with an emphasis on RNG, biogas-to-electricity and RNG-to-hydrogen pathways. She also advises clients on the RFS, particularly on biogas regulatory reform and the D3/D5 RIN split under the EPA’s Set rule. Since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, she has been advising renewable fuel producers on potential incentives for their projects under IRA. 

Nathalie spent years representing banks as a project finance partner at one of America’s preeminent corporate law firms. With that background, she founded and was CEO of a company developing a utility-scale biorefinery in one of California’s two great agricultural and cattle-raising areas, the Imperial Valley. It was in the IV that she developed a passion for animal agriculture, which led to her becoming Co-Chair of the ABC Ag Committee. 

 Nathalie’s 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. She has been a member in good standing of the California Bar for over 30 years. Nathalie is located in Los Angeles, CA, with easy access to CARB in Sacramento.  

As an accredited LCFS verifier and Director of Energy Compliance Services at Weaver, I’m an expert on the LCFS.  

I’ve been an LCFS consultant since its inception in 2011. Through my work at Weaver, I advise some of the most important companies in the biogas and RNG industries on LCFS strategy and compliance. I also advise clients on RFS biogas regulatory reform and the D3/D5 RIN split. I’m therefore up on industry trends and issues that affect our members.  

The LCFS has been going through a major amendment process for the last two years. Next year will be crucial as the final language is debated and adopted, as will 2025, as the amended regulation is implemented. I’ve accompanied the process closely every step of the way, working with Bernie Sheff and Bryan Sievers on comment letters the ABC has submitted to CARB, and have written articles about it for the Stillwater LCFS Newsletter. 

I’m also passionate about animal agriculture and serve as Co-Chair on the ABC Agriculture Committee, working closely with Bryan and Mark Stoermann. I see at every meeting how important the LCFS is to our members.  

In addition to the above, I’m a member of the California bar and long-time California resident.  

In closing, as the LCFS goes, so goes the rest of the country as to laws and regulations that affect our members on a daily basis. It’s important to the ABC to have a Board member that has the combination of credentials, experience and relationships that I possess. I’m therefore confident that I will continue to make a contribution, not only to the Board, but also in my role as Co-Chair of the Ag Committee.  

Paul has helped originate and implement 10 RNG pipeline interconnects and played a major role in the creation of a nonregulated RNG group at Black Hills Energy. He has developed numerous partnerships in the industry over the last 8 years.  Paul has more than 40 years of professional experience, including serving as a business development manager, transportation engineer, gas distribution engineer, and consulting engineer. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Civil Engineering degree.  

I have a passion for the value that biogas and renewable natural gas bring to the natural gas industry and the country’s energy infrastructure as a whole. My experience with 10 RNG pipeline interconnects for Black Hills Energy on the regulated utility side of the industry gives me a unique view on the challenges and opportunities presented to biogas/RNG industry participants. The projects BHE has focused on from a nonregulated approach have provided me with even more insights into the industry’s upstream side and the connection to feedstock owners. I am confident that I will be able to provide valuable representation to utilities and biogas/RNG developers as a Board of Director for American Biogas Council. 

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 

I have more than 17 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 a power and natural gas trader for JP Morgan, two years as a Utility Resources Planner, and now partnering with engineering firms to develop Waste to Energy Projects. Advisor and development team member on Biogas projects, particularly in the swine industry. Master’s degree in Economics. 

I am honored to be nominated for the American Biogas Council (ABC) Board of Directors. As a passionate advocate for the biogas industry and a staunch supporter of ABC, I am committed to contributing my expertise and unwavering dedication to furthering the organization’s mission. 

Throughout my journey in the biogas industry, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this technology in addressing critical environmental challenges while simultaneously fostering economic growth. Biogas, a renewable energy source derived from organic waste, offers a sustainable solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air and water quality, and generating valuable clean energy. 

My election to the ABC Board will enable me to continue my unwavering support for the organization by actively participating in its programs and initiatives. I am committed to: 

Continuous involvement in the ABC committees: I will actively engage in these committees to provide insights, collaborate with fellow board members, and contribute to the development and execution of impactful strategies that advance the biogas industry. 

Encouraging other companies to join: I will leverage my network and industry connections to reach out to potential members, highlighting the benefits of ABC membership and showcasing the collective impact we can achieve in promoting biogas adoption. 

Utilizing my extensive network of C-level Energy Industry executives: I will strategically engage my network to introduce decision-makers and industry leaders to the critical role of RNG in shaping a low-carbon future. 

The ABC has played a pivotal role in my professional growth and the advancement of the biogas industry. I am deeply grateful for the organization’s unwavering support and am ready to dedicate my time, energy, and expertise to help ABC continue its remarkable trajectory. 

With a shared vision for a sustainable future powered by clean energy, I am confident that together, we can propel the biogas industry to even greater heights. Thank you for your consideration. 

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 decarbonization 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.  Prior to joining Vermont Gas, Tom was appointed by Governor Douglas to serve as the state of Vermont’s CIO and the Commissioner of Information and Innovation. He has also served as the state’s Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development. 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 2030. The industry faces an inflection point, where policy changes at the state level are providing an opportunity for even greater acceleration of growth. In 2023, the Vermont legislature passed a Clean Heat Standard that specifically includes RNG as a result of VGS’s advocacy.  This policy will open the door for RNG use in the thermal sector, creating more credibility for RNG as a decarbonization tool.  It would be my pleasure to continue to serve on the ABC board in meeting these challenges and achieving the industry’s full potential. 

Todd has worked with renewable energy companies for almost 25 years as a trusted legal advisor.  He works with biogas/RNG developers, investors, lenders, equipment providers, technology providers, feedstock suppliers and end users on getting successful biogas/RNG projects from idea to financial closing to groundbreaking and beyond.  Todd works with biogas/RNG companies on financing, M&A, tax financing and works closely with other experts in the field, including many other ABC members.  I have a practical, goal focused style and value teamwork and consensus building.  I would be honored to serve on the board of ABC.  

I want to serve on the board to help grow the biogas/RNG industry and help our members succeed.  Our industry has experienced amazing growth in the last few years, and with the passage of the IRA and the EPA’s eRIN program, we are poised for even more growth.  As a ABC board member, I will actively work with other members to advance the business and policy goals of the biogas/RNG industry, educate our members and ensure a bright future.