National Biodiesel Board names Donnell Rehagen as new CEO

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has named Donnell Rehagen as the trade group’s CEO. Rehagen was named interim CEO in June after serving 12 years as NBB’s chief operating officer.

“We couldn’t be more excited to elevate Donnell to the permanent position of CEO,” said NBB chairman Ron Marr.

He added: “His detailed knowledge of our organisation and deep understanding of our industry certainly leads to a smooth transition.

“But the main reason we have asked him to take on this position is his proven ability to think strategically about our issues and apply creative solutions that lead to success.”

As COO, Rehagen managed the implementation and execution of NBB’s budget and the day-to-day responsibility of managing the organisation’s programme managers, staff and contractors.

Additionally, Rehagen has led the annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, NBB’s signature event that attracts thousands of enthusiasts to learn more about biodiesel and for industry professionals to network with their peers.

Prior to joining NBB in 2004, Rehagen was the fleet administrator for the Missouri Department of Transportation where he was responsible for all aspects of the department’s $400 million (€366m) fleet including implementation of their biodiesel (B20) use programme.

Prepare for more growth ahead

“Donnell will be just the fourth chief executive to lead NBB in our nearly 25 years as the country’s largest trade association representing the biodiesel industry,” Marr said. “It’s that kind of stability in our leadership and our commitment to providing our membership the tools to be successful that has helped make biodiesel a 2 billion-gallon-per-year industry.”

Rehagen said he is excited for the opportunity take on new responsibilities to help the industry meet current challenges and prepare for more growth ahead.

“I have a passion for this industry,” Rehagen said. “I’m proud to be a part of the team that has helped lead biodiesel’s growth to become the first advanced biofuel to reach full commercialisation, but I also recognise the challenges we face. It is incumbent upon us as an organisation to define and manage a path that ensures we continue the industry’s ascent.”

The 2018 Renewable Fuel Standard’s volume requirements are expected to be announced by the end of November and Rehagen said he’s hopeful the EPA will recognise the national benefits that will be realised by increasing biodiesel’s requirement to 2.5 billion gallons.

Additionally, Rehagen said he will immediately continue the task he began as interim CEO of helping to coordinate members’ visits to Capitol Hill at the end of November. NBB is pressing Congress to provide a long-term extension of the biodiesel tax incentive and convert it from a blender’s credit to a producer’s credit to keep the focus on domestic production.

Chairman Marr also thanked the Governing Board’s search committee who led the search effort that attracted nearly 300 applicants.

“We had no shortage of qualified candidates. This was no easy task. But when our decision was made, it was exciting to look around the room and have everyone agree that we could not have found a more outstanding leader for our organisation,” Marr said.

Jon Leafstedt and Gary Weihs, managing partners with Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search firm focused on the food, agri-business, and renewables sectors, conducted a rigorous national CEO search for the NBB and assisted in evaluating a strong slate of well-qualified CEO candidates. 

‘Expand biodiesel opportunities’

Chad Stone, Renewable Energy Group’s chief financial officer, said: “All of us at the American Soybean Association congratulate Donnell on his selection as CEO of NBB.  We’ve worked closely with Donnell in his previous role, and now we look forward to working closely with him in his new role to continue to expand biodiesel opportunities!” 

Stephen Censky, CEO at American Soybean Association, said: “I would like to congratulate Donnell Rehagen on his selection as the new CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. 

“At this critical time for the biodiesel industry it is important to have someone at the head of our organisation who has a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of biodiesel and is ready to hit the ground running.

“After a rigorous selection process, I am convinced that Donnell is the right person to assume this role.  I look forward to working with him to create a positive future for our industry.”