Jeff Carpenter has been the Program Manager for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) since May 2021 and has been part of the team since the program started in 2020. Carpenter graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration and Psychology, and with an MBA. Carpenter started with USDA Rural Development in Nebraska in 2008. Since 2015, Carpenter’s work has focused on the various Energy Programs offered through USDA Rural Development, including those centered around advanced biofuels.

Jill Hamilton is Founder and President of Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. (SESI).  She has more than 30 years of consulting experience in the alternative transportations fuels industry. Hamilton is a key consultant to Clean Fuels Alliance America and her team helps support the Clean Fuels Foundation, including managing the Auction at the conference. Over the past 25 years, Hamilton and her team have raised more than a billion dollars for the biofuels industry. She is also a trusted advisor to the National Clean Cities Program and Chair of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition.

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.