Aaron Putze is an author, agriculturalist, speaker, leadership coach and strategist. He engages with audiences across the country, lifting the human spirit and improving team performance and outcomes by offering proven, practical and actionable advice. He’s a tireless champion for farmers and agriculture and the author of two books including You Are Destined for Greatness – Stories of Inspiration and Empowerment.

Raised on a northwest Iowa farm, Aaron earned degrees in public relations and communications from the University of Northern Iowa and certificate of supervisory leadership from Drake University.

He serves as Chief Officer of Brand Management & Engagement for the Iowa Soybean Association and is active in his church and community.

Jeramie Weller is General Manager and CEO of Minnesota Soybean Processors (MnSP), a 2,200-member cooperative in Brewster, Minnesota, that crushes 38 million bushels of soybeans and produces more than 35 million gallons of biodiesel annually. With 16 years in oilseed and biofuel processing, Jeramie previously spent 12 years at Cargill before joining MnSP in 2019. He also serves on the boards of North Dakota Soybean Processors, Minnesota Biodiesel Council, and the National Oilseed Processors Association. A mechanical engineering graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth, Jeramie is dedicated to adding value for farmers across the Midwest.

Mark Engdall has nearly 30 years of experience in the third party bulk storage business with International Matex Tank Terminals (IMTT). Over his career, Mark has been instrumental in advancing IMTT’s biofuel and chemical operations in the Northeast and Midwest. This has included the development of the Northeast region’s largest biodiesel storage system at IMTT’s Bayonne, New Jersey terminal complex. IMTT’s “Greener and Cleaner” strategy continues this commitment to the renewables market, including large scale biofuel feedstock and Renewable Diesel projects at its St. Rose and Geismar, Louisiana terminals. Commencing in 2023, IMTT revenues from non-petroleum cargos now exceed that of its petroleum business segment.       

 

This is Mark’s 19th year attending this conference. He has appreciated witnessing the evolution of the bio-mass diesel industry firsthand, as well as establishing friendships with many of the biofuels professionals whose commitment and efforts have shaped what it is today. 

Rebecca (Becky) Hensley is a Senior Manager Sustainability at CSX Transportation, Inc where she coordinates sustainability strategies, initiatives and corporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting. Becky has worked for CSX Transportation for over 14 years and has over 25 years of experience with environmental, sustainability and regulatory compliance. Her career has specialized in data management solutions and cross-functional team collaboration. Before joining CSX, she worked as an environmental consultant for a variety of transportation, manufacturing, military, and government clients. 

She holds a BS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida and currently lives in Jacksonville, FL.

 

Dave Walton is a sixth-generation farmer from Wilton, Iowa, where he and his family grow soybeans, corn, wheat and hay, along with raising beef cattle and sheep. He serves on the Iowa Soybean Association Board and the American Soybean Association Executive Board. A strong advocate for soy-based biodiesel, Dave sits on the Iowa Biodiesel Board Governing Committee and Clean Fuels Alliance America Governing Board. He uses biodiesel in all his diesel engines on and off the farm. Before farming full-time, he worked as a quality engineer for HON Industries, and he attended Muscatine Community College and Iowa State University.

As Chief Operating Officer, Doug ensures that Clean Fuels Alliance America’s strategic plan, fund development, programs and procedures support the needs of our growing industry. Doug works continuously to improve operations for the organization and ensures the Clean Fuels team has the resources and tools they need to execute priorities for our valued members. Doug stays closely tuned in to Clean Fuels’ operations and staff, ensuring each team member is best utilized to enhance the clean fuels industry.

Doug has over 20 years of experience in the biodiesel space and 15 years in local elected office. He also spent time managing Clean Fuels Alliance America’s work in Washington D.C., supporting the reinstatement of the biodiesel tax credit, defending the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, and fighting against trade cases on illegally traded biodiesel imports.

In 2002, Doug became Clean Fuels Alliance America’s first in-house State Regulatory Director. He served as Director of Operations & Membership from 2008-2017 and assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2017. Born and raised in Missouri, Doug graduated from Kansas State University and currently lives in Jefferson City, MO, where Clean Fuels Alliance America is headquartered.