CLEAN FUELS FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Chris Hill 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
Job Titles:
- CEO of Optimus Technologies
Colin Huwyler 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.
Dave Walton is a farmer from Wilton, Iowa, who cultivates soybeans, corn, alfalfa, and tends to livestock. He inherited the farm from his father and has been managing land that's been in his family since 1855. He has also completed leadership programs sponsored by ASA and ISA, and is a member of the Iowa Cattleman's Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, and Iowa Sheep Industry Association, along with their national organizations. Dave studied Animal Science at Iowa State University and took Business Management classes at Muscatine Community College while working full-time for HON Industries. With a profound farming heritage tracing back to Colonial times, he is enthusiastic about genealogy and recreating historical crop varieties. His vast experience is a benefit to our foundation.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director for Corporate Affairs and Development With Chevron Renewable Energy Group
Ezra Finkin is the Director for Corporate Affairs and Development with Chevron Renewable Energy Group, a business unit of Chevron producing biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel. Prior to his role at Chevron Renewable Energy Group, Ezra served as the Policy Director for the Diesel Technology Forum (now the Engine Technology Forum) where he advocated for the sustainability of diesel engines when operating using biodiesel and renewable diesel fuels. Ezra holds a BA degree in Economics from Kenyon College and a MA in International Affairs from the School for Advanced International Studies. Ezra resides in Annapolis, MD.
Keith Tapp is a 4 th Generation farmer in Sebree, Kentucky. He began farming 50 years ago. Currently, he is growing no-till soybeans and corn. Keith has been a soybean advocate since the mid-seventies. His past leadership roles were Chairman of the Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board and United Soybean Board.
Mark Caspers 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.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director of Government Affairs for Ag Processing Inc
Michael Dolch is the Director of Government Affairs for Ag Processing Inc (AGP). He is responsible for developing and executing government relations strategies supporting AGP's cooperative members and their farmer owners. He began his career in farm policy with Syngenta in Washington, DC. He then served as a legislative assistant for Senator Joni Ernst (IA), advising on agriculture, trade, and biofuels issues. Recently, Michael led policy development and grassroots advocacy at the Iowa Soybean Association as the Senior Director of Public Affairs. He studied Agricultural Communications at Iowa State University and remains actively involved on his family's farm near Villisca, Iowa.
Rob Shaffer 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.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Director of Outreach
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.