Derek Peine, left, and Thomas Hardwood, right. Photo credit: Renewable Fuels Association.
The Renewable Fuels Association elected officers and its board of directors for the 2027 fiscal year at its annual membership meeting in Kansas City, Missouri.
Derek Peine, CEO of Western Plains Energy in Oakley, Kansas, was re-elected chairman, while Thomas Harwood, CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel in Claremont, Minnesota, was re-elected vice chairman.
Peine has spent 25 years in production, technical and management roles in the agricultural processing and renewable fuels sectors. He also serves on the board of directors for the Renew Kansas biofuels association and the Collaborative Sorghum Marketing Transformation Program.
"I’m honored to be re-elected chairman of the Renewable Fuels Association and grateful for the continued trust of our members,” Peine said. “We’ve made important progress over the past year, but there is much more work to do. As I begin my second year as chairman, I’m focused on building on that momentum—expanding the next wave of opportunities for biofuels, strengthening rural economies, providing affordable fuel choices and advancing America’s energy security. I look forward to working with our members and partners to deliver results and make the most of the opportunities ahead.”
“Derek Peine and Thomas Harwood have provided strong, thoughtful leadership over the past year, and we’re pleased to have them continue serving as RFA chairman and vice chairman,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Their experience and commitment will be especially valuable as we build on the progress we’ve made and tackle the challenges ahead. There is important work to do—from advancing year-round E15 and defending the RFS to expanding markets for ethanol and other bioproducts around the world. There are many challenges and opportunities ahead, and they are the right leaders at the right time to help move the industry forward.”
Other officers elected for the 2027 fiscal year were Tim Winters, president and CEO of Western New York Energy, as board treasurer, and Tom Paitrick, CEO of Heartland Corn Products, as board secretary.
The RFA's 2027 fiscal year begins Oct. 1. The association also elected its full board of directors for the new fiscal year.
The Renewable Fuels Foundation re-elected its 2027 leadership, including Chairman Neal Kemmet of Ace Ethanol, Vice Chairman Eric Baukol of Redfield Energy and Treasurer Wayne Garrett of Chief Ethanol Fuels.
The foundation focuses on education, research and strategic planning needs of the U.S. fuel ethanol industry.
Source: Renewable Fuels Association, "RFA Elects 2027 Board and Leadership at Annual Meeting"