Board of Directors

The Foundation works closely with Clean Fuels Alliance America to address national issues affecting us all -- cleaner air, greater economic development for rural communities, and enhanced national security through energy independence. Organized in 1994, our mission is to accomplish outreach, education, research and demonstration activities for the advancement of biodiesel.

FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman
Mark Caspers

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.

Vice-Chairman
Dave Walton
Bio coming soon.

Secretary
Danielle Brannan
Danielle is a San Diego Clean Cities Coalition board member and involved in community relations on behalf of New Leaf. Danielle has overseen exponential growth and helped position New Leaf Biofuel for future expansion. Prior to working for New Leaf, Danielle worked as a federal contract procurement specialist as well as in the commercial insurance industry specializing in business coverage,risk management and corporate policy servicing.

Treasurer
Chris Hill
Chris is an accomplished farmer based in Brewster, Minnesota, specializing in the cultivation of soybeans and corn. Since 2002, he has also been an integral part of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, actively serving on the New Uses Action Team. In addition to his agricultural commitments, Chris dedicates his spare time to being a respected 4-H leader and proudly contributes as a member of the American Legion Honor Guard. Chris earned a BS degree in Animal Sciences from South Dakota State University

Director
Rob Shaffer
Rob is a fourth-generation soybean farmer in El Paso, Illinois. He is the chairman of the Illinois Livestock Development Group and on the Roanoke Farmers Association Elevator Board of Directors. He is a past voting member of the National Biodiesel Board on behalf of Illinois Soybean Association.

Director
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.