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.

Lucas Lentsch is CEO of the United Soybean Board, the national soy checkoff organization that works on behalf of over 500,000 U.S. soybean farmers. He reports to a board of 77 volunteer farmer-leaders who invest in research, education, and promotion to deliver sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day. His mission is to create value and maximize the return on investment for the soy checkoff across three priority areas: Infrastructure & Connectivity, Health & Nutrition, and Innovation & Technology.

Lentsch previously served as Executive Vice President on the leadership team for Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the national dairy checkoff for U.S. dairy farmers.

He also served as South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, and is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lentsch holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from South Dakota State University.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Illinois State University, Kerry began his career in the soybean crushing industry as a laboratory technician for Central Soya.  In 1997,  he joined the team at Incobrasa Industries in Gilman Illinois.  The plant was non-operational when Kerry signed on as the Laboratory Manager.  Shortly thereafter, in September of 1997, the plant began crushing soybeans.

Since then, Kerry has been part of the seemingly continuous expansion of the operations.  In 2001, he was placed in charge of the Refinery.  In 2003, he was an integral part of the construction and operation of the packaging facility.  In 2006, biodiesel became part of the operations.  Kerry played a role in this, as well.  Throughout the years, Kerry has undertaken the responsibility to obtain and maintain the various EPA permits required for construction and operations.  He also developed and maintains the BQ-9000 and food safety programs.  Kerry has also sat on the NOPA Board of Directors for the last 23 years.  When not working, Kerry enjoys golfing, woodworking and playing guitar.

Kent Swisher is the President & CEO at the North American Renderers Association (NARA); and President of the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF), the rendering industry’s research organization. He joined the organization in 2003 as Vice President, International Programs and took on his current role with the association in January 2022.

Kent is a member of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, the US Sustainability Alliance; and serves on the executive committee of the US Agricultural Export Development Council. He currently serves as coordinator of the World Renderers Organization.

Kent was raised on a grain and livestock farm in Central Indiana. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in agricultural economics.

Kate Shenk serves as Director of Regulatory Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America, leading members in navigating federal regulatory policies. In this role, Shenk helps the industry advocate for growth in annual Renewable Fuel Standard rules, eligibility for grants in USDA infrastructure incentive program, and addressing the climate crisis. She leads the industry’s efforts to secure equitable treatment of biodiesel and renewable diesel and their diverse feedstocks in EPA, DOE and USDA programs. Shenk brings an extensive knowledge of the Clean Air Act and related regulatory policies and earned a Master of Science from Bard College.