Randy Beck is a 35 year career professional, currently at the helm of WM’s (Waste Management) Renewable Energy group (WMRE) where his focus is development of landfill gas to RNG facilities and striving to find the best beneficial use of the landfill gas emitted from WMs extensive inventory of landfills. Randy plays a key role in development, construction and operation of WMRE’s 90+ beneficial use projects, as well as his fierce dedication to advocacy on behalf of the industry, which is accentuated by his position as Vice Chairman of the ABC executive committee and his seat on the ABC board of directors. Randy strives to serve the industry by aligning key industry participants, educating on items of critical importance and creating a network of participants to facilitate the sharing of priorities and best practices.

A descendant of German and Norwegian immigrants that settled in Iowa between 1850 and 1873, Bryan Sievers, and his wife Lisa, are the current generation of owners and operators of the Sievers’ farm. Bryan is an enthusiastic environmental steward of the land and takes pride in using all available resources, including the air, land, water, and sun for their highest and best use. The Sievers’ 2,300-acre farming operation, 2,400 head beef cattle feedlot, and renewable energy facility is located in western Scott County, Iowa near Stockton.

In 2009, this philosophy became the motivation behind implementing the combined heat and power (CHP) anaerobic digester project. The Sievers were looking to dramatically expand the farm’s beef cattle feedlot but had concerns about any of the expansion’s effects on their carbon footprint, water quality, soil health, and the environment. The solution was a 1 MW CHP system fueled by the methane produced from two 970,000 gallon anaerobic digesters utilizing beef cattle manure, agricultural processing waste streams, cover crops, and other co-feeds.

AgriReNew, a company created by the Sievers and their partners, Dr. William and Judy Davidson, commissioned their digesters and CHP power plant in 2013. Today, the digesters process over 55,000 gallons per day of cattle manure and other off-site co-feeds in the complete-mix system. The electricity that’s generated, 24 hours per day 7 days per week, is sold to their local service provider, Interstate Power and Light (Alliant Energy).

In 2014, AgriReNew received the Agricultural Biogas Project of the Year Award from the American Biogas Council and received the 2014 Iowa Environmental Excellence Award for their anaerobic digester project.

Bryan and Lisa are 1982 graduates of Iowa State University. Bryan received his degree in Agricultural Business while Lisa received her degree in Industrial Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. Lisa is also a Certified Public Accountant. Bryan and Lisa have two children and five grandchildren. Bryan’s past experiences include being a 3-year letterman on the Iowa State University baseball team, leadership roles in the Iowa Farm Bureau, serving two terms in the Iowa Legislature (one term in the Iowa House and one term in the Iowa Senate), and is currently serving as Chair of the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Biomass Conversion committee. This committee is responsible for creating an Action Plan to expand Iowa’s biomass production and processing capacity as part of a comprehensive renewable energy strategy through Governor Kim Reynolds’ Iowa Energy Plan.

You can find Bryan on LinkedIn here.

Over the last decade, Dr. Frear’s research has focused on enhancements to anaerobic digestion, biochemical recovery from waste and development of bio-refinery principles for rural and urban communities.

He holds five patents (with two pending) including an ammonia stripping system to remove ammonia from wastewater without the use of chemicals.

In addition to his research, Dr. Frear is the author of over sixty peer-reviewed publications on methane capture to create biogas and nutrient management to allow liquid from manure to be safely reused. He has also served as an investigator on numerous federal and state grants in the same scientific classifications.

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.

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 5,500 professionals dedicated to maximizing carbon reduction and economic growth using biogas systems.

Beyond biogas, Patrick has more than 20 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.

Brad brings a passion for the environment and extensive professional experience leading organizations to augment their value and maximize their potential.   Over the last 25+ years he has taken leading roles as an entrepreneur, running PE backed start-ups, turning around distressed assets, integrating international acquisitions for a fortune 50 company, and Chairing the Board an international non-profit.  In 2013 Brad was appointed by the Governor of Utah and tasked with creating and leading a new public office that has since been replicated in 18 other states. And as the Chairman of the Board of the National Ability Center, Brad has empowered people with physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges through adaptive outdoor recreation. Brad is fluent in Spanish and has an International MBA from Thunderbird, The Intl. School of Business Management.

Brad Pleima is the President of EcoEngineers, a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm with an exclusive focus on the energy transition. Brad sets the strategic goals for Eco, with expertise from more than 20 years of leadership in the renewable emerging and engineering industry. He has provided advisory services to more than 300 renewable energy production facilities and supported construction of more than $4 billion in anaerobic digester and renewable natural gas (RNG) projects nationwide. Brad has a civil engineering degree from Iowa State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in five states.

Brian started working at UW Madison in January of 2024 and is currently working on projects in waste to energy, soil health, nutrient management plans for farms, and other consulting for biogas systems. Brian has 20 years of professional experience and 14 of those as the Biogas Program Director at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. This role involved 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.

Bryan Nudelbacher is the Vice President of Business Development, overseeing the RNG Business within U.S. Energy, a vertically integrated energy solutions provider proficient in refined products, alternative fuels, and environmental credits. With involvement across all aspects of the RNG supply chain, U.S. Energy has a deep tenure in RNG project developments; offtake agreements into transportation, voluntary, and feedstock markets; and regulatory and incentive programs.

Bryan has been instrumental in developing U.S. Energy’s CNG & RNG businesses through his depth of industry relationships, knowledge, thought leadership, and strategic thinking. His experience includes working with project development partners on creative deal structures, regulatory program registrations, ongoing compliance, and credit monetization. Bryan’s credentials provide a unique, impactful perspective to drive the RNG industry forward.

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.

Chip Stoicovy has over 29 years of industry experience with Air Liquide. During his tenure with Air Liquide, Chip has held various management positions including Business Unit leadership with P&L responsibilities, Business Development, Product Management, Corporate Planning, and Commercial Management. Chip’s current role involves the development and sale of technology driven offers aimed at upgrading biogas to renewal natural gas, thus improving the environmental footprint of landfills, digesters, and wastewater treatment operations. The technologies involve either those available from the Air Liquide portfolio and / or those available through collaborative partnerships.

Chip holds a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management & Finance.

Chad Frahm is the Vice President of Government Affairs at Brightmark, a global leader in waste solutions to combat complex environmental challenges. Brightmark is on a mission to reimagine waste, and it develops, owns, and operates renewable natural gas & plastics renewal projects.

Mr. Frahm leads the company’s government affairs efforts. He has over 20 years of renewable energy and government affairs experience. He has experience working for elected officials, non-profit and for-profit organizations in the environmental sustainability, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors. Currently he focuses on directing Brightmark’s state and federal advocacy efforts in support of policies to help create a world without waste.

Chad holds a B.S. and M.S. in agricultural economics from Purdue University and a J.D. and M.B.A. from Indiana University.

Inspired by his personal experiences with lack of energy access and security in India, Ivor Castelino joined Bloom Energy in 2010. More on his story on this Bloom Energy Video.
Ivor has had various roles at Bloom including structured finance, sales, and business development. He developed Bloom’s leasing program to allow customers to procure Bloom technology without any upfront capital, generating ~$1B in sales. He was instrumental in the deployment of the first ever fuel cell projects running on landfill gas and dairy biogas. One of these projects currently holds the record for the lowest Carbon Intensity score ever recorded in California’s LCFS program and was featured in a BBC documentary.
Ivor currently heads Bloom Energy’s Waste to Energy and carbon capture business development efforts. He sits on the Board of the American Biogas Council, the largest industry association for the biogas industry.
Ivor graduated with a Bachelors in Engineering degree from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (India) and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of California – Berkeley. He resides in the California with his wife, two kids and his farm animals.

Mr. Dannan serves as a Principal leading the Organic Waste team at Generate Capital since fall 2016.  He has over 18 years of financial markets experience, including 10 years of lending and asset management experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors. At Generate Mr. Dannan has overseen the creation of one of the largest organic waste processing businesses in North America covering animal manure, food waste, and biosolids processing projects.

Prior to joining Generate Capital, Mr. Dannan founded Energy & Infrastructure Capital, LLC (“EIC”), a Stamford based asset manager focused on debt investments.  During this time EIC invested approximately $200 million in US energy and infrastructure debt on behalf of US and international investors. Prior to EIC, Mr. Dannan served as Vice President at Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management where he was responsible for investment strategy, capital raising and transaction execution.  Prior to Deutsche, Mr. Dannan worked at Aladdin Capital Management’s Infrastructure Debt business, and Dresdner Kleinwort’s infrastructure financing, M&A and loan workout teams.  Mr. Dannan received a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Economics with Accounting from Loughborough University, England.

Lauren is President and a partner of CH4 Biogas, a leader in bringing proven, clean energy biogas solutions to the United States. At CH4, Lauren has a wide range of responsibilities, including managing corporate strategy and operations. Lauren is leading the CH4 Biogas focus on working with the agricultural and food & beverages sectors to provide environmental waste and renewable energy solutions. Starting in 2012, Lauren led financing and business development for the company on its growth trajectory. As a result of those efforts, CH4 Biogas has multiple operating biogas facilities and several facilities in development with attention on future projects in the Northeast and Midwest. In her role, Lauren has also been very involved with the development of the industry through policy by helping to build awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of anaerobic digestion.

Prior to joining CH4 Biogas, Lauren spent over fifteen years in sales and strategy roles for industrial and environmental companies. The bulk of this time was spent in sales and marketing for GE Industrial and strategy consulting with McKinsey & Co. Lauren has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Harvard College in Environmental Science and Public Policy, where she graduated magna cum laude.

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.

Mr. Newsom has been with Smithfield for more than 17 years, serving in various roles before joining the biogas team. Matt holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia, and an M.B.A. from the College of William and Mary.

Max is an investor, developer, and capital advisor in the sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. He is the founder of Circular Economy Solutions, a boutique development consulting firm that helps small businesses raise capital and bring projects to successful financial closing. Through CES, he is a minority investor in several renewable energy companies. He previously spent nine years at Live Oak Bank, most recently as an SVP, where he started an alternative investment platform to provide debt solutions for projects and developers across the bioeconomy, involved in over $1B across 100+ projects, with a specialty in project finance and government guaranteed loans. There, he was responsible for leading a team of lenders, originating loan opportunities, structuring deals, supervising construction completion and startup commissioning, and syndication efforts in the capital markets. The team covered utility-scale and community solar, battery storage, waste-to-energy, anaerobic digestion, composting, landfill gas, municipal wastewater treatment, agricultural waste management, organic fertilizer, bioplastics, bio-based product manufacturing, and other advanced recycling technologies. Prior to Live Oak, he briefly worked in MassMutual’s advisory division. He currently maintains a seat on the Board of Directors of both the American Biogas Council and the Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition, advocating for support to accelerate growth in these markets. Max received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Williams School at Washington & Lee University.

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.

Mr. Wine serves as Clean Energy’s Vice President, Renewables, Distribution. In this role, Sean manages the renewables distribution division which is responsible for all sales, operations, compliance, and sustainability reporting related to Clean Energy’s renewable natural gas (RNG) product. Since joining Clean Energy in 2006, Sean has successfully developed a multitude of natural gas fueling implementation programs across all company markets, along with deploying some of the very first RNG to transportation fuel in the U.S. Mr. Wine is focused on expanding the company’s negative-carbon intensity RNG product offering, while also managing the regulatory risks associated with the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Sean is recognized as an RNG industry expert, working closely with various stakeholders across the entire RNG supply chain, while advocating on behalf of the company for additional Clean Fuel Programs throughout North America. Sean graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Political Science.

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.

Thomas Murray currently serves as the Vice President of Decarbonization Technology for Vermont Gas Systems (VGS), overseeing the company’s efforts to procure and develop RNG supply. Tom has been a forerunner in the RNG industry, leading the company’s RNG initiatives, which include becoming the first gas utility in the nation to offer a voluntary RNG program (2018) and to blend RNG into its base supply (5% in 2025). Tom has served 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. He also serves on the American Gas Association’s Climate and Sustainability Committee (past Chairman) and Chairs the Northeast Gas Associations Climate and Energy Committee. 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).

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 accounting firm 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 helping clients get their manure or food waste RNG pathways certified under the LCFS, and also biogas-to-electricity pathways. Since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, she has also been advising alternative fuel production clients on its incentives.

Nathalie is passionate about animal agriculture, which led to her work as Co-Chair of the ABC Ag Committee. With a background as a lawyer representing banks for project finance deals, she spent five years in California’s Imperial Valley developing a utility-scale biorefinery where the feedstock was locally-grown biomass.

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. 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.

Clarke is SVP of Business Development for Nature Energy’s U.S. operations. Nature Energy is a Danish renewable energy company that is the largest producer of biogas (Renewable Natural Gas) in Europe. Nature Energy is growing its European footprint into North America and Clarke is leading its business development efforts in the U.S. to build, own, and operate large-scale, mixed organic waste anaerobic digesters that produce Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). Prior to coming on board with Nature Energy, Clarke was VP of Project Origination at Brightmark Energy. At Brightmark, Clarke was sourcing early-stage dairy digester projects, nationwide. Clarke has experience in developing both dairy and municipal organic waste digester projects. Prior to joining Brightmark, Clarke was VP at CR&R Environmental Services’ Bioenergy division which encompassed organics recycling, anaerobic digestion, and composting. Clarke has experience in all stages of RNG project development, the marketing and sale of RNG, carbon credits (RIN and LCFS), and organic soil products from Anaerobic Digestion. Clarke has a diverse background in renewable energy, environmental science, marketing, and business development. Clarke has worked in the fields of environmental consulting, gasification, biochar, and most recently RNG. Clarke has previously worked for renewable energy startups, Tetra Tech-San Francisco, and has owned his own marketing services company. Clarke is a graduate of UC Berkeley and aside from his extensive travels has been a California resident for his entire life and has recently relocated to Austin, Texas.

As the Manager for Low Carbon Energies at North America’s largest energy infrastructure company, Enbridge Inc, Brad DeMaeyer is responsible for developing decarbonized energy products for Enbridge customers. Previously, Brad held the position of Manager Business Development – RNG for Enbridge Gas Inc which is Canada’s largest natural gas utility.  Brad is the past Chair of the Canadian Biogas Association’s (CBA) Board of Directors which he joined in 2017 and has served on several special committees within the CBA. With over a decade of experience in the energy industry, Brad is well suited (or “well positioned” to drive advocacy and positive change in the RNG industry. He holds an HBA from the University of Windsor.

Michael Annas is the Sr. Global Commercial Commodity Manager for Biogas Origination in bp’s Low Carbon Solutions organization, based in Houston, TX.  A member of the global Biogas leadership team, Michael coordinates the development and delivery of the commercial business plan.

Michael completed both a Marketing Bachelor’s degree and an MBA at the University of Houston in Houston, TX.

In his nearly 19 years with bp, Michael has held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility, such as:  NGL Logistics Coordinator, New Activity Integration Project Manager, Natural Gas Origination Analyst, Natural Gas Commercial Manager, and most recently was the Business Advisor (chief of staff) for the SVP, Refining & Product Trading and Low Carbon Solutions.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, traveling, and supporting several non-profits.

Andrew currently serves as Vice President of Governmental Relations for Bioenergy Devco, a leader in anerobic digester development in Europe and the United States. In prior rolls Andrew served as the Chief Legislative Officer and Senior Advisor to Governor Hogan. As the liaison to the Maryland General Assembly, he oversaw the governor’s environmental and renewable energy legislative initiatives.  Andrew was elected to two terms in the Maryland General Assembly where he served five years as a Delegate on the Environment and Transportation Committee successfully passing several laws promoting organics recycling and renewable energy. Andrew received his BS in Industrial Technology from Millersville University and his master’s in Administrative Management from Loyola College.

Scott Hill is a Project Executive at Swinerton with more than 26 years of experience in the construction industry. He has worked on more than two dozen water/wastewater projects around the country as a superintendent and project manager and has transitioned to leading biogas/renewable energy sector projects as a project executive. Scott’s depth of experience affords a thorough understanding of development, design, construction, and commissioning processes as well as the necessary requirements to successfully provide renewable construction solutions to the most complex projects nationwide.

Scott is hands-on in the development of Swinerton’s Energy Division projects. Swinerton Energy delivers engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to clients across the nation to meet their energy resiliency goals through the adoption of carbon-neutral infrastructure. Scott has successfully procured $200 million in renewable natural gas (RNG) work for Swinerton Energy, while also partnering with Griffin|Swinerton, the firm’s public, private, partnership (P3) entity, on many upcoming project pursuits.

As a new member of the American Biogas Council, Scott has begun his involvement with policymaking within the RNG sector. He has developed an expansive RNG contact list—from developers to technology providers, to government and municipalities—his reputation of integrity and passion for his work has helped keep and nurture these critical relationships. As a board member of the American Biogas Council, Scott is eager to positively influence key sector issues, including reauthorization of the farm bill, renewable fuel standard, and tax parity on the I Section 48 Investment Tax Credit, among others.

Having grown up on a farm, Scott’s transition from the construction of buildings and water/wastewater to the agricultural waste to RNG sector a natural fit. Outside of Swinerton, you can find Scott enjoying Colorado outdoors by cycling, riding dirt bikes, camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing. He is also an avid traveler and enjoys seeing the new parts of the world with his family.

Donald Chahbazpour is currently the Director of Policy and Regulatory Strategy – Future of Heat at National Grid. Don is leading company’s efforts to implement gas decarbonization and reduce methane emissions through policy, strategy and technology. The group is also responsible for engaging stakeholders to raise awareness regarding the potential of renewable natural gas and hydrogen, and how the gas network can enable the energy transition.
Before his current position, Don was the Director of Climate Change Compliance. His previous positions at National Grid include Corporate Strategy, M&A and Energy Procurement. Prior to National Grid, Don was working for a startup energy technology company focusing on emerging distributed generation technologies and related regulatory issues.
Don has a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration (MPA) from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, and a Bachelor’s with honors in Mechanical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Brandon Butler serves as Director of Communications for Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE). His work includes marketing, public relations, strategic communications, and policy. Butler helped lead the application and award of the $80 million Horizon II Climate Smart Commodities Grant, and now leads the public education arm of the grant as the host of Prairie Prophets TV and Prairie Prophets Podcast. Previously, Butler served as the Executive Director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the state’s largest conservation non-profit. He remains dedicated to the protection of our natural resources and is active in numerous conservation organizations and is currently on the board of directors of the Iowa Wildlife Association. He has over 1,000 published newspaper and magazine articles to his credit. Butler holds a B.S. from Purdue University, M.A from Gonzaga University and an Executive M.B.A. from the University of Missouri. He is the proud father of two daughters, Bailee and Annabel.

• Ben is the Director of Specialty Grains + Oilseeds, encompassing Cargill’s North American Biogas portfolio, based in Wayzata, MN.  A member of Cargill’s global Biogas leadership team, Ben is focused on leading the strategy and execution for North America.
• In nearly 25 years with Cargill, Ben has held a variety of trading and commercial leadership positions in Cargill’s oilseed processing, fats and oils, and cocoa and chocolate businesses.  Within several of these roles, Ben has helped develop and scale sustainability and renewable energy businesses for Cargill in areas of biodiesel and regenerative agriculture.  Further, Ben serves on Cargill’s Board of Advisors for the Cargill Abilities Network and is leading Neurodiversity efforts for North America.
• Ben has an B.S. in Agricultural Business Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Outside of work Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 children – downhill skiing and serving with several non-profits.

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 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 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.

• Ryan Harb is a 15-year career sustainability executive, currently serving as Senior Project Developer at Ameresco where he is responsible for managing the development of biogas and RNG projects including agricultural digesters, wastewater treatment facilities, and landfills. Ameresco is one of the largest renewable energy asset developers, owners, and operators in North America providing over $13.5B in energy solution projects including solar, battery, fuel cells, microgrids, hydrogen, biogas-to-energy, and renewable natural gas.
• Prior to his role with Ameresco, Mr. Harb served as Director of RNG Origination at Clean Energy Fuels and as a Senior Manager of Feedstock at Vanguard Renewables. He specializes in commercial organics waste management as well as anaerobic digestion. Mr. Harb holds an MS in Green Building and BBA in Business Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Chris Thomas is the Vice President of Public Affairs for Divert, an impact technology company on a mission to Protect the Value of Food™. A trusted advisor to C-suite leaders and two former US Cabinet secretaries, he brings over 25 years of expertise in government relations, public engagement, and corporate strategy in the technology, transportation, energy, and climate tech industries.

Chris serves on Divert’s executive leadership team and leads all public affairs activities, including public policy, public engagement, and external communications. He spearheads the company’s public engagement and external communications strategy for its facility investment and permitting efforts and public policy strategy for all relevant local, state, and federal climate tech, solid waste, and renewable energy issues.

Most recently, Chris was a senior leader on Lyft’s Public Policy team, leading the first ever negotiated legislative deal between gig companies, legislators, and organized labor by passing first-in-the-nation legislation that created new benefits for rideshare drivers. Prior to that, Chris held executive roles with two engineering giants, leading external affairs and the government market at WSP USA and the US State & Local Government Relations team at CH2M (now Jacobs Engineering).

Chris holds a Master’s in Business Administration from The George Washington University School of Business and a B.S. and M.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Outside of Divert, Chris enjoys time with his two children and wife skiing, biking, hiking, coaching little league, and serving in various community leadership positions. Chris is currently on the Board of Directors of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and previously held board and advisory leadership positions with the Public Affairs Council, US Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and University of Illinois Civil & Environmental Engineering Alumni Association.

• Staci Bogue-Buchholz is the VP and GM for Gevo’s Renewable Natural Gas segment. In this role, she leads all aspects of the business including strategy, operations and growth.
• Prior to Gevo, she was Head of Engineering at VBTC Holdings where she represented investor groups as the owner’s engineer to develop a greenfield capital project. At Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) she held roles with increasing responsibility, including Director of Process Development, Plant Superintendent, Global Performance Excellence Manager, and the Protein Complex Manager.
• Staci has over 20 years’ experience and is an enterprising and solutions-focused leader who optimizes capabilities, fosters collaborative and highly efficient teams, and develops and executes cost-effective and forward-thinking solutions.
• She has global experience in strategic planning, training, and mentoring, plant management, major capital project leadership, implementations, cost/budget analysis, policies and procedures, client/vendor relations, technical operations, profit & loss, forecasting, and mergers and acquisitions.
• Staci has a BS in Chemical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and an MBA from Illinois State University.