Experience

Renewable Fuels Association

• United States
• Services for Renewable Energy
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Senior Vice President, Government & Public Affairs

  • Jan 2021 - Present



Renewable Fuels Nebraska

• United States
• Renewables & Environment
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director

  • Nov 2017 - Jan 2021

  Oversee and manage Renewable Fuels Nebraska - the trade association for Nebraska's ethanol industry. Nebraska ranks 2nd in the US for ethanol production, with over 2.2 billion gallons being produced annually. RFN represents producer and associate members on public policy issues at both the state and federal levels and advocates to policy makers and the public the need and benefits of a robust US ethanol and biofuels industry. Oversee and manage Renewable Fuels Nebraska - the trade association for Nebraska's ethanol industry. Nebraska ranks 2nd in the US for ethanol production, with over 2.2 billion gallons being produced annually. RFN represents producer and associate members on public policy issues at both the state and federal levels and advocates to policy makers and the public the need and benefits of a robust US ethanol and biofuels industry.



Nebraska Rural Electric Association

• Utilities
• 1 - 100 Employee

• General Manager/Executive Vice President

  • Jan 2013 - May 2017

  Served as chief executive of the state-wide rural electric trade association comprised of public power districts and electric cooperatives and numerous associate members across Nebraska. Also served as President of the Nebraska Power Association; a group of 160+ utilities across the state. • Business and Organizational Management- o Responsible for all aspects of the utility association and assures that the desires of the Board of Directors and its membership are successfully executed. o Gained knowledge of utility management and operations through NRECA’s year-long Management Internship Program. o Oversaw an annual budget of $2.2 million; increased total margin ten-fold since 2013. o Served as General Manager and primary loan officer of NREA Credit Union, with assets of over $6 million and 1,000 members. Was responsible for giving final loan and investment approval. o Led the organization in strategic planning. Directed the management of all organization programs and initiatives. Directly managed all aspects of NREA’s staff team. • Strategic Communications- o Led all communications efforts for the organization. Chief spokesperson to all external media contacts, state and federal officials and community partners. o Conceptualized a highly effective social media program that has resulted in tens of thousands of contacts throughout Nebraska and the US. • Enhanced Organization Effectiveness Through Community & Public Outreach- o Enhanced partnerships through direct involvement in numerous external organizations. o Led160+ power providers as President of Nebraska Power Association (NPA). o Served on the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Chairman of the Public Affairs Council – the consortium of Nebraska’s government relations entities. • Public Policy and Government Relations- o Oversaw all aspects of the organization’s public policy, government relations and lobbying efforts at the state and federal levels. Show less



Colorado Farm Bureau

• Centennial, CO

• Executive Vice President

  • Oct 2005 - Dec 2012

  As chief executive, was responsible for all aspects of the 23,000-member Colorado Farm Bureau (CFB), the largest grassroots farm and ranch advocacy organization in Colorado. • Organization Management – o Fiduciary responsibility for a $1.8 million annual budget and a $5 million investment portfolio and assured that actions and directives of the Colorado Farm Bureau leadership and membership were successfully executed. o Was responsible for all aspects of the staff team, including oversight, hiring and dismissal, performance reviews and team member goal setting. o Established the CFB Agricultural Disaster Fund and CFB Foundation. o Served as the Executive Director of the CFB Investment Company, which holds stock in for profit, wholly owned companies such as Colo Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. Well versed in all insurance product offerings and services. • Communications and Outreach – o Served as the chief spokesperson for the organization to all media sources. o Represented the organization at industry meetings throughout the state and nationally. • Public Policy and Government Relations – o Oversaw all aspects of the organization’s public policy and lobbying efforts at the state and federal levels and represented the organization to all levels of state and federal government officials and personnel. Show less



American Farm Bureau Federation

• Washington, DC

• Director of Congressional Relations

  • Aug 2002 - Sep 2005

  Legislative and regulatory representative for the world’s largest agricultural organization on a broad array of issues impacting members including energy, climate change, carbon sequestration and transportation; experience with federal lands, grazing and endangered species issues. • Extensive Federal Legislative and Regulatory Portfolio – o Instrumental in the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This legislation included numerous provisions important to US agriculture including a robust oil and gas development and standards effecting renewable fuel production. o Worked extensively with federal officials and coalition partners on proposals surrounding carbon cap and trade regulations and legislative efforts effecting energy production. o Executed a policy advocating for a balanced US energy portfolio that included robust renewable production along with an increase in domestic oil and gas production – including the Outer Continental Shelf and Area 1002 of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, as well as advancing clean coal technology and next generation nuclear technology. o Involved in the successful passage of Highway Bill Reauthorization and Water Resources Development Act; improving locks and dams, ports, shipping and railroad issues. • Building Effective Coalition Partnerships and Relationships – o Developed and maintained key relationships with the Executive Branch, members of Congress and their staff along with numerous coalition partners in an advocacy role over an assortment of agricultural related issues. o Served on National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition Board of Directors. o Led effort with Congress, the Executive Branch and coalition partners to successfully pass the Healthy Forest Initiative; to reduce forest fires and improve water quality. o Staff liaison to the state farm bureaus in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, Utah and Wyoming. Built strong working relationships with state farm bureau leadership and staff. Show less



Colorado Livestock Association

• Greeley, CO

• Chief Executive Officer

  • Sep 2001 - Aug 2002

  Executive who was accountable for all aspects and management of the premiere livestock organization in Colorado, including oversight of a $1.2 million budget. • Organizational Management – o Developed and implemented an annual budget and a new accounting system. Through active management reduced payables by 16%, allowing the organization to operate in a positive financial position. o Restructured operations leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness. o Coordinated all lobbying efforts for the organization on the state and federal levels. • Communications, Public Policy, Coalitions and Outreach – o Coordinated and managed all internal and external issues, communications, program services, public policy and government relations efforts for the organization. Show less



NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN INC

• United States

• Vice President - Technical Services

  • Mar 1998 - Sep 2001

  Led the Technical Services Department and represented producers on environmental issues and programs including natural resources, endangered species, property rights, water rights, water quality, county zoning, livestock waste regulations and food safety issues. • Management of Technical Services Department – o Supervised department and managed program budgets of over $200,000. o Coordinated the legislative effort for the association as one of two registered lobbyists and testified on numerous industry related issues. o Liaison between producers and numerous state and federal government agencies and organizations. o Administered the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Program. o Chairman of the NCBA’s Endangered Species Working Group. Show less