Mark brings extensive agricultural experience to his role as Chairman. A fourth-generation family farmer from southeast Nebraska, he operates a diversified cropping operation on 600 acres of land. Mark holds a Master of Science (MS) degree in Agricultural Business Operations and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Agriculture from the University of Nebraska. For over ten years, he has passionately advocated for the advancement of biodiesel, including utilizing B20 in his farming operation and showcasing his commitment to sustainable practices.

Dave Walton is a farmer from Wilton, Iowa, who cultivates soybeans, corn, alfalfa, and tends to livestock. He inherited the farm from his father and has been managing land that’s been in his family since 1855. He has also completed leadership programs sponsored by ASA and ISA, and is a member of the Iowa Cattleman's Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, and Iowa Sheep Industry Association, along with their national organizations. Dave studied Animal Science at Iowa State University and took Business Management classes at Muscatine Community College while working full-time for HON Industries. With a profound farming heritage tracing back to Colonial times, he is enthusiastic about genealogy and recreating historical crop varieties. His vast experience is a benefit to our foundation.

Secretary
Colin Huwyler
Colin is CEO of Optimus Technologies, a diesel engine decarbonization company focused on developing engine technology for medium and heavy-duty diesel engines to operate on high biodiesel blends. Colin has been active in the biofuels industry since 2004 serving in various capacities across feedstock, production, and technology development. He holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and is co-inventor on several patents.

Director
Todd Ellis

Todd Ellis has been a leader in sustainable business and economic development for leading biofuels companies for over 16 years. He oversees North American strategic planning and sales responsibilities for Renewable Energy Group, Inc. He has worked with federal, state, and provincial government policy makers on a range of issues affecting biofuels policies and market incentives that have created strong market demand for biomass-based diesel. He holds an Executive M.B.A. from the University of Iowa, M.A. from Antioch University, and a B. A. from Fort Lewis College.

FOUNDATION STAFF

Executive Director
Tom Verry
Tom Verry, currently Director of Outreach and Development for Clean Fuels Alliance America, Tom works to establish synergistic relationships for the benefit of the biodiesel industry with key stakeholders including feed stock suppliers, state soybean associations, fuel suppliers, end-users, policy makers, government agencies, and environmental/ health groups. Tom also works to identify and access resources that will address the needs of the organization and the industry.