Meet the Experts Speaking at
BUSINESS OF BIOGAS 2026

Meet the experts taking the stage at BUSINESS OF BIOGAS 2026. This year’s speaker lineup brings together leaders across the biogas industry to share insights, expertise and perspectives on opportunities shaping the future of the industry. Click a speaker’s headshot to view their bio and session details.

Ashley DuplecheinU.S. Energy
Brad PleimaEco Engineers
Brett BarryClean Energy
Brian PolleyChristianson CPAs and Consultants
Chris NegusGlobal NRG Advisors
Chris PsihoulesNorton Rose Fulbright
Emily BowersFordwell Strategies
Erin SorensenAir Products Membrane Solutions
Gaurav BhatnagarCo-Creation Partners
Heather DziedicABC
Hidde SchijenHysights
Holly YanaiDivert
Jonathan HardingABC
Joshua MartincicMobius Renewables
Kerri WardMobius Renewables
Lizzy ReinholtSummit Utilities, Inc.
Maria M. OrteroCo-Creation Partners
Mitch May
Roeslein & Associates
Nash Stapleton
XCaliber Capital
Nick PankoCFO Services
Patrick J. FoodyIogen Corporation
Patrick SerfassABC
Phil LookadooHaynes Boones Law Firm
Randy BeckWaste Management
Rich KasselKassel Strategies
Skye AustinStark Tech
Tom MoffettAnew Climate
Zach Olson
IFM Investors
LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR BUSINESS OF BIOGAS

2026 PROGRAM

2026 SESSIONS

Day 1

Selling Energy to Data Centers: Where Biogas Fits

Data centers are driving enormous new demand for reliable, around-the-clock energy—but how do data center owners and developers actually buy it? This session will explain what these buyers are looking for from electricity and natural gas suppliers, including reliability requirements, project and deal size, contracting structures, pricing considerations, and timelines.

Waste to Wake: Navigating the Maritime Fuel Market

The maritime industry is emerging as a potentially significant new market for BioLNG made from biogas and RNG—but how does the maritime fuel market work? This session will explain who buys and sells fuel, how LNG gets to ships, where and how bunkering occurs, what volumes and specifications buyers require, how contracts are structured, and how the carbon value of BioLNG is recognized. Learn what shipowners, operators, and fuel suppliers are looking for and what biogas producers and project developers need to know to access this growing market.

Biogas Without Borders: Where Global Biomethane Markets Are Headed

Biogas and biomethane markets are developing rapidly—but the policies, commercial structures and opportunities vary significantly by region. This international market outlook will examine current activity across Europe, Canada, India and the broader Asian market, including policy drivers, project development, pricing, incentives, certification systems and emerging sources of demand. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of where investment and transactions are occurring, which market models are gaining momentum, and what the U.S. biogas industry can learn from developments abroad.

Day 2

Welcome

Speakers

Randy Beck, Chairman, American Biogas Council

Patrick Serfass, Executive Director, American Biogas Council

Kyla Dewey, Air Products, Title Sponsor

Follow the Deals: What’s Getting Built and What Comes Next

What do recent biogas project transactions tell us about where the industry is headed? Look at the data from real deals to reveal what’s getting built, what the market is valuing, and how project development is evolving.

Then we’ll look ahead. Where will the next opportunities for biogas emerge, and what will drive the next wave of development? From maritime fuels to growing demand in Asia and other overseas markets, we’ll explore the new markets taking shape and what they could mean for biogas developers, investors and the broader industry.

 

Cash Flow Under Pressure: Navigating Working Capital Challenges in Biogas Operations

Running a biogas facility requires cash long before every revenue stream is realized. This session will explore practical strategies for managing working capital, controlling operating expenses, planning maintenance and downtime, and navigating delays in commodities, tipping-fee and environmental-credit revenue. Attendees will learn how disciplined cash-flow planning can protect day-to-day operations while supporting long-term asset performance and profitability.

Strategy Lab: From Buy-In to Lasting Behavior

Designed specifically for C-suite leaders and senior executives, this interactive Strategy Lab moves past high-level theories of “buy-in” to tackle the practical mechanics of sustainable execution and organizational effectiveness. Led by Co-Creation Partners (a global business transformation and management consulting firm that specializes in integrating culture transformation, leadership development, and operational excellence. )

Day 3

45Z Reality Check: Following the Carbon Score to the Bottom Line

There’s much hope that the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit will reshape the economics of RNG and other low-carbon transportation fuels—but the value of the credit depends heavily on lifecycle carbon intensity and the GREET model. This session will examine the latest 45Z economics, explain how key GREET assumptions influence credit value, and explore which fuels, feedstocks and end markets may benefit, face pressure or require new commercial strategies.

Translating Policy into Financeable Projects and Executable Offtake Agreements

This session brings together industry, policy and finance leaders to examine the federal and state programs supporting biogas, RNG and CNG, identify where near-term deals are most likely to emerge, and outline the practical steps producers can take to convert policy support into bankable revenue over the next 12 months.

The Road to 2027: State Policy Priorities for Biogas

As BUSINESS OF BIOGAS comes to a close, we’ll turn our attention to the state legislative sessions ahead. This forward-looking discussion will examine the policy trends, emerging proposals and potential challenges expected to shape biogas, RNG and organics recycling in 2027. Speakers will also preview the industry’s preliminary state-level goals and identify how ABC members can help convert shared priorities into meaningful legislative action.

Sponsor BUSINESS OF BIOGAS
Adam Bernstein, Managing Director, North Sky Capital
Adam Bernstein manages North Sky’s direct investments in middle market sustainable infrastructure projects across the renewable power, fuels, efficiency, water and waste sectors. Adam’s previous experience includes project finance at FPL Energy (currently NextEra Energy), with a focus on tax credit structuring and portfolio syndications. Before FPL, he held positions at J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and GE Capital. Adam is a CFA Charterholder and is a graduate of Dartmouth College (MBA, MS Engineering) and Emory University (BBA).  He was an independent grant application reviewer for the Obama administration’s Department of Energy.
Alycia Tolman, Director of Carbon Policy, ABC
Alycia Tolman serves as the American Biogas Council’s Director of Carbon Markets, bringing to the team nearly ten years of utility experience at Consumer’s Energy with a focus on renewable energy and decarbonization. Alycia is an energetic and goal-focused collaborator with diverse experience in renewable energy programs, utility operations, and performance improvement. During her time at Consumers Energy, Alycia launched and managed the company’s first-ever voluntary renewable natural gas and carbon offset programs alongside other renewable offerings. Prior to her work on renewable energy programs, Alycia led cross-functional teams focused on improving performance of the company’s highest priority metrics through the deployment of lean problem solving and process improvement methodologies. Alycia earned her BS in Renewable Energy from Western Illinois University, and her MBA from Grand Valley State University. She currently resides in Michigan, with her husband, two young boys, and dog.
Ben Kruger, Senior Vice President, Renewables, Roeslein
Ben Kruger is Senior Vice President of Renewables at Roeslein.  Ben leads Roeslein’s Global RNG portfolio and overall renewables activities.  Prior to joining Roeslein, Ben spent 25 years at Cargill in a variety of trading and business leadership roles – including leadership of Cargill’s North American Biodiesel business, Renewable Natural Gas business and the start-up of Cargill’s regenerative agriculture platform – RegenConnect.  Ben and his family reside in Minneapolis MN and are avid ski enthusiasts and active in several non-profits that serve the special needs community.
Bernie Sheff, Partner, US Renewable Energy Development Capital
Bernard (Bernie) Sheff, PE holds both Bachelors and Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University. He has been a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan since 1988 and is also registered in the states of Massachusetts, Ohio and Indiana. 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 and completed his first digestion project as part of a 1 MGD wastewater treatment facility in 1991. This facility, a large beef abattoir in SW Michigan, is still in operation and part of an 8 MW Peaking facility at the site. This project, the first of many, in the CAFO and processing arena including systems at; dairy, hog, beef, chicken/turkey and, duck operations. From early 2000 he focused on solids liquid separation and nutrient recovery, sand separation and digestion in the agricultural market, most significantly the dairy industry. In 2010 he transitioned focus to the co-digestion of residuals from confined feeding operations and food processing residuals and then onto all food waste operations. He is constantly engaged in digestion projects, he started up his most recent project at an 8000 head dairy in Friona, Texas. Seeing the need for a strong workforce in the safe operation of digesters, he has been a leader in the development of the American Biogas Council Operators Training School and one of the lead lecturers from its inception. Currently a 12-year board member of the American Biogas Council, in November of 2014 he was elected as Chairman of the Board of the American Biogas Council, a position he still holds beginning his 10th year as Chairman the fall of 2023. He currently is a Partner with US Renewable Energy Development Capital, headquartered in Saucilito, California while maintaining his base of operations in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
Brad Douville, CEO, Greenlane Renewables
Brad Douville is CEO of Greenlane Renewables, a leading global technology provider of biogas desulfurization and upgrading systems with over 35 years of industry experience and more than 355 systems supplied into 28 countries. Brad joined Greenlane as President in 2017 then became CEO in 2019 when the Company commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Prior to Greenlane, Brad had a 25-year career in the natural gas commercial vehicle industry holding various executive roles at Westport and Cummins Westport commercializing and scaling natural gas / RNG engine and vehicle fuel storage technologies.
Chris Lee, Asset Manager, Chevron
Chris serves as the Asset Manager of RNG facilities throughout the US focusing on strategic partnerships, commercial operations, and financial performance. He started in Renewable Natural Gas at Brightmark 2 years ago and transitioned to Chevron during the acquisition. With extensive experience in the energy industry, Chris began his career at GE taking on several roles within operations, asset management, and contractual services. His work focused on leading field teams, ensuring safe operations, and customer excellence. Chris holds a MS in Supply Chain Management from Penn State University and BS in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Craig Frear, Director of Research & Technology, Regenis
Craig Frear is Director of Research and Technology for Regenis, a Washington state company specializing in anaerobic digestion and nutrient/water treatment of dairy manure and co-digestion substrates, providing EPC, construction management, O&M, and consulting services to projects. Prior to his Regenis position, Craig was an Assistant Professor at Washington State University, managing one of the nation’s more prolific teams providing research and extension activities within the field of value-added and environmentally beneficial use of manure and other organic waste streams, focusing in particular on anaerobic digestion, value-added biochemical recovery from waste, and development of bio-refinery principles for rural and urban communities. In addition to his research, Dr. Frear is an author on nearly a hundred peer-reviewed publications and holds five patents. Craig holds a PhD in Engineering Science from Washington State University, a MA in Educational Administration from Columbia University, and BA in Chemistry and Theology from St. Olaf College.
Craig Frear, Director of Research & Technology, Regenis
Craig Frear is Director of Research and Technology for Regenis, a Washington state company specializing in anaerobic digestion and nutrient/water treatment of dairy manure and co-digestion substrates, providing EPC, construction management, O&M, and consulting services to projects. Prior to his Regenis position, Craig was an Assistant Professor at Washington State University, managing one of the nation’s more prolific teams providing research and extension activities within the field of value-added and environmentally beneficial use of manure and other organic waste streams, focusing in particular on anaerobic digestion, value-added biochemical recovery from waste, and development of bio-refinery principles for rural and urban communities. In addition to his research, Dr. Frear is an author on nearly a hundred peer-reviewed publications and holds five patents. Craig holds a PhD in Engineering Science from Washington State University, a MA in Educational Administration from Columbia University, and BA in Chemistry and Theology from St. Olaf College.
Dave Mrowzinski, President - RNG, IGS
Dave Mrowzinski joined IGS in 2008 and has been instrumental in launching and scaling several of the company’s emerging business ventures. With deep expertise in the renewable energy marketplace, Dave currently leads cross-functional teams focused on developing innovative strategies that drive value across IGS’s Construction, Compressed Natural Gas, and Renewable Biogas production businesses.
Erin Baker, Consultant, Trinity Consultants
Erin Baker is a Fuels Compliance Consultant at Trinity Consultants with expertise in renewable natural gas (RNG) life cycle analysis and regulatory compliance. Her particular focus is to assist RNG producers successfully navigate California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program (CFP), and Washington’s Clean Fuel Standard (CFS). She has experience with all major RNG feedstock types, including landfill gas, wastewater gas, organic waste, and dairy manure. Erin works closely with clients to turn complex operations into effective market and compliance strategies, managing all aspects of the programs, including registering fuel pathways in state reporting platforms, preparing defensible carbon intensity (CI) scores, compliance reporting, and credit generation. With strong proficiency in the GREET model, Erin provides accurate, regulator-ready results that give clients confidence in their submissions. In addition, Erin supports clients with life cycle analyses and verifications for independent markets such as MRETS (Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System), helping clients access (RTCs) and expand their market opportunities.
Faith Larson, Vice President & Legal Counsel, Mickelson
In 2023, Faith joined Mickelson & Company as Vice President of Renewables and Legal Counsel. Faith is an accomplished leader known for driving strategic growth. She currently leads and manages the renewable energy tax credit program and provides legal counsel for the company. Before joining Mickelson & Company, Faith served much of her career as an executive in the transportation and agricultural industries having worked as the Vice President of Corporate Development, Real Estate and Procurement at CH Robinson Worldwide and as the CFO at GrainBridge. Faith received a Finance degree from the University of Nebraska in 2002, Juris Doctor in 2004 from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and MBA from the University of Nebraska in 2008. She is a licensed attorney in Nebraska (inactive) and South Dakota.
Hanna Hakenas, VP of Training, ABC
Hanna Hakenäs is the Vice President of Training at the America Biogas Council (ABC), where she leads the growth and execution of the organization’s training programs. With extensive experience in the energy sector, Hanna began her career in Europe as a developer and project manager of wind energy assets. Over the last decade, she has been based in the United States, focusing on the safe optimization of renewable energy production. Her work has involved leading teams in asset management, operations, and technical training. Before joining ABC, Hanna worked at Brightmark, where she established the Asset Management team for the company’s dairy RNG (Renewable Natural Gas) facilities. In this role, she was responsible for setting operational strategies to optimize asset profitability and support future growth. Additionally, Hanna brings significant experience from the wind industry, having worked for one of the largest owner/operators of wind energy assets globally. In this capacity, she led large teams across various functional areas, including operations, budget management, inventory management, and technical training. Hanna holds a Master of Science in Engineering, specializing in Surveying and Land Management with a focus on Technology Management. Originally from Sweden, she now resides in Texas with her husband and their three children.
Hanna Hakenas, VP of Training, ABC
Hanna Hakenäs is the Vice President of Training at the America Biogas Council (ABC), where she leads the growth and execution of the organization’s training programs. With extensive experience in the energy sector, Hanna began her career in Europe as a developer and project manager of wind energy assets. Over the last decade, she has been based in the United States, focusing on the safe optimization of renewable energy production. Her work has involved leading teams in asset management, operations, and technical training. Before joining ABC, Hanna worked at Brightmark, where she established the Asset Management team for the company’s dairy RNG (Renewable Natural Gas) facilities. In this role, she was responsible for setting operational strategies to optimize asset profitability and support future growth. Additionally, Hanna brings significant experience from the wind industry, having worked for one of the largest owner/operators of wind energy assets globally. In this capacity, she led large teams across various functional areas, including operations, budget management, inventory management, and technical training. Hanna holds a Master of Science in Engineering, specializing in Surveying and Land Management with a focus on Technology Management. Originally from Sweden, she now resides in Texas with her husband and their three children.
Jessica Neikrasz, Principal, Neikrasz Consulting
Jessica Niekrasz is a recognized leader with deep expertise in biogas and renewable natural gas (RNG). With a background spanning executive leadership, policy advocacy, and operations, she is known for launching new service lines and guiding organizations through complex strategic and operational challenges. Jessica excels at building strong partnerships across farms, municipalities, developers, and policymakers, bringing a collaborative, strategic approach to advancing clean energy solutions that strengthen both communities and the economy.
Jim Koss, Project Manager, VP, Creo Engineering
Jim Koss has over 17 years of experience in engineering design and project management. He has focused almost exclusively on biogas projects for the last 5 years working with multiple clients and project developers across the industry and the US. Jim has a diverse mix of project experience that has equipped him to effectively integrate the technical aspects of complex multi-discipline projects. He is a licensed professional engineer with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Texas A&M University. Jim is a managing partner and co-founder of Creo Engineering.
John Cipriani, Founder & Partner, Candid Counsel
John combines a unique blend of research and communications skills to devise winning campaigns for companies, coalitions, and causes. His research and strategic guidance have informed major communications efforts for clients like Amazon, America’s Natural Gas Alliance, Cisco, Comcast, Harvard University, Lyft, the National Hydropower Association, and PayPal. Prior to founding Candid Counsel, John was a Senior Vice President at Global Strategy Group (GSG) and served as a leader in the firm’s research practice, regularly working with executives at Fortune 50 companies to craft and target their message. Prior to his time at GSG, John worked for the Chief Strategy Officer at Microsoft, running the quick-turn polling operation that informed Microsoft’s strategic direction in a period of broad organizational change following Satya Nadella’s appointment as CEO. John received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C.
Kirsten Higgins, Vice President, Renewable Natural Gas, Anew
Kirsten Higgins joined Anew Climate in 2021 and is the Vice President of Renewable Natural Gas with a focus on environmental commodity transaction structuring, origination, and voluntary markets. Prior to joining Anew Climate, Kirsten worked in the Integrated Supply & Trading division of BP for seven years, holding various roles including Commodity & Market Risk Manager for crude and asset-based portfolios and Commercial Development Director for environmental products. Her experience spans project managing and implementing large-scale oil, refined product, and biogas deals, evaluating market risk in trading portfolios, and managing diverse teams. Kirsten holds a BBA in Information Technology Management from the University of Notre Dame, summa cum laude, with a minor in Energy Studies.
Mark Jamieson, Director - New Products Pull, Business Development, Cummins
Mark Jamieson is a key leader at Cummins on the company’s approach to Destination Zero, its strategy to go further, faster to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality impacts of its products and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Jamieson is focused on Cummins’ alternate technologies, including natural gas and Hydrogen internal combustion engines as well as battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. Mark leverages his experience having worked in both the New Power and Engine businesses, partnering with both OEMs and fleets to help them leverage Cummins broad product range and capabilities for their success. Mark joined Cummins in 2005 in its Turbocharger component business in the United Kingdom and has held a broad range of roles in account management and business development. His experience has equipped him with a unique global perspective, with his latest roles focused on establishing the next generation of products in North America, as well as looking to future opportunities as alternative power adoption rates increase.
Mel Lara, Sr. RNG Commercial Manager, Certarus
Mel Lara is the Senior RNG Commercial Manager at Certarus, where she leads commercial strategy and partnerships to expand renewable natural gas solutions for transportation and industrial markets. With more than three years at Certarus and extensive experience in the energy sector, she focuses on driving growth and advancing RNG adoption. Mel will share insights on bridging RNG supply with fleet adoption and unlocking opportunities enabled by next-generation 15-liter RNG engines.
Michael Land, Managing Partner, Virentis
Mike has more than 25 years of experience providing financial advisory and private investment banking services to clients, the last 15 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 developers, utilities, manufacturers, universities, and municipalities. 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 recently founded Virentis Advisors, LLC (November 2022). Virentis is focused on advising clients in the biogas and other waste to value sectors. Prior to Virentis, Mike was an original founder an Energy and Infrastructure (EIG) practice at a national CPA firm in late 2007. During his tenure with that firm, the EIG team supported over 210 projects that are either built or under construction, ranging from $5 million to $400 million and totaling more than $4.1 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, also within a CPA firm.
Pat Foody, Chief Devlopent Officer, iogen
Pat joined Iogen in 1985 and is responsible for the company’s commercial and project development activities outside of Brazil, including the development of opportunities and partnerships to produce advanced and cellulosic biofuels in North America. Pat has held numerous senior positions at Iogen, leading development and commercialization programs in the biofuels and biochemical space. He has been responsible for: the start-up and growth of Iogen’s enzyme business, managing commercial relationships worldwide; the design, construction and commissioning of Iogen’s cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant; and the development of Iogen’s cellulosic ethanol project development capacity, including feedstock supply chain management, site development, product marketing, process engineering, cost engineering, and project contracting. Pat has a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters degree in Construction Engineering and Management from the University of Michigan.
Patrick Serfass, Executive Director, ABC
Patrick Serfass is Executive Director of the American Biogas Council, the voice of the US biogas industry. Patrick has led the American Biogas Council since he helped create it in 2010. The American Biogas Council now represents more than 400 organizations and 6,000 professionals dedicated to maximizing carbon reduction and economic growth using biogas systems. Beyond biogas, Patrick has more than 25 years’ experience growing clean energy industries, like solar, hydrogen, biochar, and woody biomass. In Patrick’s early career, he was a physical oceanographer, architectural engineer and designed unmanned, deep ocean vehicles. Patrick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Sciences from Dartmouth College.
Shannon Manoulian, Senior Consultant, Trinity Consultants
Ms. Manoulian serves as a Senior Consultant for Trinity Consultants’ Boise, Idaho Office. Throughout her 24-year professional career, she has served clients in industries including renewable natural gas, metals and aggregate mining, upstream and midstream oil and gas, natural gas and renewable electrical generation, food products, agriculture, general industrial, and waste-to-energy. Her air quality background includes state and federal air quality permitting and compliance and facility scale atmospheric dispersion modeling. In addition, she has completed numerous multi-media environmental field audits, has served as project manager on renewable natural gas projects, large scale mining development, remediation and demolition projects, and large general industrial development projects.
Todd Taylor, Attorney, Avisen Legal
Todd has 25 years’ experience working with renewable energy projects, focusing on biofuels, biogas, RNG, Waste to Energy, Sustainability and value-added agriculture. Todd works with developers, technology providers, infrastructure funds, venture and private equity firms, lenders, engineers, construction companies and others involved in successfully completing projects. Todd is a member of the American Biogas Council and has been a frequent presenter for the ABC on issues related to the IRA’s impact on financing biogas projects. Todd also understands the business and technical issues related to biogas and RNG projects which makes providing sound legal advice tailored to your situation efficient and effective.
Andy Dvoracek, VP of Business Development, Amp Americas
Andy Dvoracek is Vice President of Business Development at Amp Americas, where he leads the origination and development of renewable natural gas and resilient power infrastructure projects across North America. With more than 20 years of experience in clean energy and carbon markets, Andy has originated and closed over $600 million in renewable and mission-critical energy investments. His expertise spans renewable integration, biogas-to-pipeline projects, and carbon reduction strategies across regulated and voluntary markets. Prior to joining Amp, he held leadership roles at Camco, Element Markets, Greenhouse Gas Services, and EcoSecurities, advancing renewable and emissions reduction projects globally. Andy holds a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Policy and Management from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and a Bachelor’s in Biology and Environmental Science from Saint John’s University (MN). He also served two years in El Salvador with the U.S. Peace Corps.
Heather Dziedzic, VP of Policy, American Biogas Council
Heather joins ABC after nearly a decade in the utility industry, where she developed several industry-leading Net Zero strategies, stood up a new RNG development program, and led long term investment planning and policy development to support gas utility decarbonization.  Her experience in energy regulation and policy covers both electric and gas, from distributed energy and net metering to RNG and energy storage. Prior to her work in biogas and other decarbonization technologies, Heather worked in the environmental, sustainability, and conservation space, leading restoration and mitigation projects, siting due diligence, environmental compliance and other conservation-focused field studies. Heather earned her BS in Environmental Science from the University of Notre Dame, and a Masters in Energy Policy and Law from Vermont Law School. She currently lives in Michigan, with her rescue pup Mason, and spends her free time remodeling her 1800s home and growing specialty cut flowers.
Justin Selmanoff, Head of Origination - Strategic Investments, SJI
Justin Selmanoff is a clean energy executive with over two decades of experience driving growth across conventional renewables and low-carbon fuels. As Head of Origination and Strategic Investments at South Jersey Industries, he leads the company’s inorganic growth strategy, focused on scaling SJI’s renewable natural gas platform. Justin has held leadership roles at Vanguard Renewables, Tesla, SolarCity, and Epcon Partners, and advises cleantech ventures on commercialization and go-to-market strategies. His expertise spans M&A, development, strategic partnerships, and platform growth across the biogas and broader clean energy value chain.
Marina Domingues, Head of New Energies, Rystad Energy
Marina Domingues is Head of New Energies, US, at Rystad Energy, where she leads the regional team responsible for research across emerging energy sectors — including renewable power, carbon management, and other technologies driving the global energy transition. She also serves as Director of Market and Regulations at the Brazilian Hydrogen Association (ABH2) and has represented Brazil in international energy partnerships such as the IPHE. Marina holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, a master’s in Technological Innovation and Intellectual Property, and a doctorate in Technological Innovation from the University of Minas Gerais in Brazil. She also completed a visiting Ph.D. program in Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Technologies at Aalborg University in Denmark.
Mike O'Laughlin, CEO, Vanguard Renewables
Michael O’Laughlin is CEO of Vanguard Renewables, a leading U.S. environmental services company and producer of biomethane from organic waste. Combining entrepreneurial drive with blue-chip experience, he is leading the company’s national expansion with a focus on operational excellence and strategic growth. O’Laughlin brings deep expertise in scaling complex operations and building high-performance teams across industries including clean energy, aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial manufacturing. Prior to joining Vanguard Renewables, he held senior leadership roles at Kymera International, Lydall, Raytheon, and General Electric, where he was part of the prestigious Operations Management Leadership Program. He holds an MBA from Boston University and a BS in Interdisciplinary Engineering and Management from Clarkson University.
Nick Panko, VP, CFO Services
Nick Panko, Vice President at CFO Services, has worked exclusively within R&D credits and state incentives over the last 20 years. In that time-frame he has worked with numerous industries and size of companies, including Fortune 500 companies. Nick assists clients in the areas of service innovation, client relations, strategy consulting, advising/managing other ‘R&D’ engagement managers/project consultants at CFO Services, and integrating internal process capabilities for clients seeking every degree of services related to R&D credits. He has numerous experience working through exams of the R&D credit for his clients and communicates with IRS executives on improvements for reducing contentious exams on the R&D credit. In addition, Nick leads CFO Service’s software development of its RCM and BIPs product for providing technology tools for the R&D credit and state incentives. Clients work with Nick because of his experience and level of attention he brings to each client. Recently Nick has built out the team that handles the Semiconductor and Energy infrastructure credits and incentives. This includes bringing on the necessary PWA, DBA, and CHIPs expertise. Nick’s background includes ‘plant operation’ experience at multiple manufacturing facilities and a management consultant role within a Big Four firm. Nick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Enrolled Agent License, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.
Nitesh Bahjaj, Asset Manager, Amp Americas
Nitesh has spent 11 years in the energy industry, across Oil & Gas, Power, and RNG. He has experience in project development, operations, and asset management. He is a Purdue Mechanical Engineering (Boiler Up!) and also has his MBA from Northwestern. Nitesh is based out of Chicago and in his free time enjoys trying all the amazing food in the city.
Patrick Hirl, Professor of Civil Engineering, Montrose Environmental
Ron Vogel, VP RNG Origination, bp
Ron started his career in Gas, NGL and Oil Marketing in 1990, in Calgary. Ron worked for a couple large major Producers, 2 different start-up E&P companies and then eventually built his own marketing consulting firm which he later sold. He joined bp as the VP of Western Canada Supply in 2005. In 2010 he transferred to Houston to head up bp’s Supply and Marketing teams for the US NE region. Since then, Ron has lead bp’s Supply and Marketing teams for the US SE, US Midwest, East Canada, US Mid Atlantic, and US South. Ron was instrumental in building the bp Natural Gas Marketing business in Mexico. Currently, he is leading the North American Biogas team, focused on Biogas project development, Biogas supply acquisition, and using his customer relationships to market Biogas to Transportation fuels, Utilities, Municipalities, Manufacturing and other non-regulated consumers.
Ryan Harb, Director, Renewable Fuels Development, Ameresco
Ryan Harb is a seasoned sustainability executive with over 15 years of experience in the clean energy sector. He currently serves as Director of Renewable Fuels Development at Ameresco, where he leads the development and commercialization of biogas and renewable natural gas (RNG) projects, including agricultural digesters, wastewater treatment facilities, and landfill gas systems. Ameresco is one of North America’s largest renewable energy developers, owners, and operators, with over $13.5 billion in energy solutions deployed across technologies such as solar, battery storage, fuel cells, microgrids, hydrogen, biogas-to-energy, and RNG. Prior to joining Ameresco, Mr. Harb held leadership roles at Clean Energy Fuels as Director of RNG Origination and at Vanguard Renewables as Senior Manager of Feedstock. He brings deep expertise in U.S. regulatory transportation fuel markets, including the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), as well as international alternative fuel markets. Mr. Harb is currently expanding his expertise through Yale University’s Financing and Deploying Clean Energy program. He holds a Master of Science in Green Building and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Scott Martin, Project Manager, Burns & McDonnell
Scott is a project manager and has more than 19 years of experience in biogas gas conveyance, treatment, beneficial use (RNG, Electricity, Direct Use), and regulatory compliance. He has served as lead engineer for multiple biogas beneficial use engineer-procure-construct (EPC) projects, from preliminary feasibility through commissioning. Scott routinely consults on technical and financial viability of brownfield and greenfield biogas development projects, and also has extensive environmental permitting experience (air, solid waste, beneficial use). Scott’s core engineering competencies include gas process engineering, mechanical and civil design, and overall balance of plant facility design.
Senator Pete Ricketts, US Senator, State of Nebraska
Tom Moffett, SVP - Low Carbon Fuels , Anew
Tom is Senior VP of Low Carbon Fuels at Anew Climate and has been in the Renewable Natural Gas industry since 2011.
Courtney Sims, VP, Head of Washington, D.C., Rystad Energy
Courtney Sims is Head of Rystad Energy’s Washington, D.C. office, leading the firm’s engagement with U.S. federal and state government clients and expanding its North American footprint. With over a decade at Rystad Energy, Courtney has extensive experience advising government and intergovernmental organizations across both the United States and Europe on leveraging energy data and insights for strategic decision-making. Before establishing the D.C. office in 2023, Courtney was based in London as a Government Sector Specialist, supporting public sector stakeholders throughout the EMEA region. Her background also includes marketing roles with energy service companies in Houston, Texas.