Leaders
Short biographies of the Renewable Energy Group, Inc. leadership are provided below. Photos are available to the media upon request.
DANIEL J. OH
President and Chief Executive Officer
For more than 20 years, Daniel Oh has achieved a diverse array of experience in management and business. Prior to Renewable Energy Group, Inc., Mr. Oh was a Vice President and member of senior management at ABG, Inc., an agribusiness consulting firm responsible for management consulting and market research practice.
Mr. Oh’s post-graduate career began in the U.S. Army where Mr. Oh served as an infantry officer for 11 years and held the rank of Major; service included combat, overseas and stateside assignments.
Currently, he serves as a Director on the Ames Chamber of Commerce and as a Director for the West Point Society of Des Moines.
CHAD STONE
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Stone has served as Renewable Energy Group’s Chief Financial Officer since August of 2009. Prior to joining Renewable Energy Group, Inc., Mr. Stone served over 17 years in public accounting and consulting in various roles, including as a Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Chicago and Cincinnati and as a Manager at Arthur Andersen in Chicago. He holds an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business and a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Iowa. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.
BRAD ALBIN
Vice President, Manufacturing
With more than 25 years, Brad Albin has lead all aspects of manufacturing operations at state-of-the-art, commercial manufacturing facilities; including experience in executive operations positions in multi-feedstock biodiesel, chemical, food and automotive supplier companies. Mr. Albin held a charter member position within the National Biodiesel Accreditation Committee (NBAC) and played significant role drafting the BQ-9000 Standard and various aspects of the ASTM D6751 specifications on the ASTM D2 committee. Prior to joining REG, Mr. Albin managed the engineering, operations, quality, R & D and ESH as well as Vice President or Director for companies such as Monsanto.
DAVID ELSENBAST
Vice President, Supply Chain Management
For more than 25 years, Dave Elsenbast has been a leader in agricultural business development, supply chain management, operations, and purchasing. Prior to joining REG, Mr. Elsenbast served as the Vice President of Business Development for Milk Specialties Company. He has also earned a Black Belt in Six Sigma accreditation. Mr. Elsenbast currently serves on the board for the American Fats and Oils Association.
GARY HAER
Vice President, Sales and Marketing
For more than 15 years, Gary Haer has been at the forefront of the biodiesel industry. As the biodiesel industry began to take shape in early 2000, Mr. Haer served as the National Sales and Marketing Manager for biodiesel for West Central. As REG emerged from West Central, he took the help coordinating the Sales and Marketing department including national and international biodiesel sales. In 2010, Mr. Haer's sales team was responsible for approximately 25 percent of all biodiesel sold in the United States. Currently, Mr. Haer serves as the Chairman of the National Biodiesel Board and a member of the Political Action Committee.
ERIC BOWEN
Executive Director, Corporate Business Development & Legal Affairs
For more than ten year, Eric Bowen has been at the forefront of the development of start-up companies with an emphasis on biofuels. Mr. Bowen is an expert within the management and legal fields with an emphasis on venture capital financings, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and IPOs. Prior to joining REG, Mr. Bowen was Founder, President & CEO of Tellurian Biodiesel, Inc. (acquired by REG). He has also led Sigma Capital's biodiesel project finance group and practiced law in Silicon Valley at Venture Law Group. Currently, Mr. Bowen serves as Chairman for the California Biodiesel Alliance.
SARA TAYLOR-FAGEN
Executive Director, Corporate Affairs
Sara Taylor-Fagen brings a wealth of experience in coordinating REG's public policy and public affairs strategies. She is a former top political strategist for President Bush and brings ten years of experience in message development and issue advocacy to REG.
KEITH OLSON
Executive Director, Corporate Finance & Investment Banking
With nearly 20 years of experience, Keith Olson has worked as an investment banker with experience in finance, strategy, mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Olson leads REG’s Corporate Finance and Investment Banking activities with responsibility for financings, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, he assists in the evaluation of business development opportunities and strategic investments, and coordinates internal financial analysis on behalf of other REG business units. Prior to joining REG, he served as Managing Director of Stout Risius Ross Advisors, LLC, Vice President of ABN AMRO, Inc. and in various positions with The Chicago Corporation and First Chicago Corporation.
CHAD BAKER
Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
With over 11 years experience in the financial sector, Chad Baker served in a variety of roles garnering an in-depth knowledge of GAAP policies, design and implementation of internal policies, and the management of financial control audits. As Controller, Mr. Baker works to coordinate the financial affairs of REG with the preparation of financial analyses of operations to include interim and final financial statements with supporting schedules.
JAMES BARCLAY
Director, Human Resources
For more than 25 years, James Barclay has served the human resources needs from the corporate to military level. Mr. Barclay has extensive experience within the human resources, personnel development and leadership areas including over 20 years in U.S. Air Force as a Man Power and Personnel Officer.
PATRICK HAMMEN
Chief Information Officer
For more than 20 years, Pat Hammen has experience in evaluating, choosing, implementing and upgrading systems and information technology solutions. As CIO, Mr. Hammen incorporates new technology services, software and programs for Renewable Energy Group’s nationwide network of biodiesel production facilities and growing headquarters. Prior to joining REG, he served as the Director of Information Technology at Waldinger Corporation. Currently , Mr. Hammen is a member of Quest Users International Group.
SCOTT HEDDERICH
Director, Corporate Affairs
For more than 20 years, Scott Hedderich has worked in the political areana bringing together policies and programs that advance the agricultural industry. Mr. Hedderich has served in multiple lobbying roles within the grain and biotechnology sector both in Washington D.C. and the Midwest. Prior to joinging REG, Mr. Hedderich served on the staff of three different Members of Congress as well as the Industry Relations manager for Pioneer, a DuPont Company.
NATALIE LISCHER
Corporate Secretary and Treasurer
For more than ten years, Natalie Lischer has worked within the finance and accounting sectors. As Treasurer, Ms. Lischer oversees credit, invoicing, cash management, tax and inventory, accounts payable and debt banking relationships for the REG network nationwide.
GLEN MEIER
Director, Corporate Business Development
For more than 20 years, Glen Meier has experience in managing diverse and entrepreneurial businesses. As Director, Corporate Business Development he investigates and pursues new technologies, acquisition targets, product opportunities and business relationships. In addition to the Corporate Business Development department, Mr. Meier also led the Research and Development efforts for REG for three years.
DON NELSON
Director, National Sales
For more than 30 years, Don Nelson has been involved with commodity trading sales, marketing and risk management. As Director, National Sales Mr. Nelson works with private and public fleets and the petroleum industry to introduce biodiesel into new markets, grow Renewable Energy Group’s current market share and develop national strategies for biodiesel consumption.
JON SCHARINGSON
Director, Sales and Marketing
For more than 20 years, Jon Scharingson has been involved in business development, marketing and sales in the biotechnology field. As Director, Sales and Marketing Mr. Scharingson oversees national market development strategies for Renewable Energy Group, Inc. and the commercial-scale biodiesel production facilities in the REG network nationwide.
JASON SCHWENNEKER
DAVE SLADE, PH.D.
Director, Technical Services
For more than 15 years, Dr. Dave Slade has paired hie engineering expertise with his educational experience. As the Director, Technical Services, Dr. Slade works closely with petroleum distributors on implementing biodiesel into their diesel program. In January, 2010, Dr. Slade was appointed as a commissioner on the National Biodiesel Accrediation Commission, which administers the BQ-9000 quality programs for the biodiesel industry. He is also a representative of REG and the biodiesel industry at ASTM. Prior to joining REG, Dr. Slade worked in the pharmaceutical industry.
STEVE SMITH
Director, Technology Installations & Upgrades
For more than 25 years, Steve Smith has led all aspects of construction operations on a variety of construction sites around the nation. As the Director, Technology Installations & Upgrades, Mr. Smith will plan, direct and coordinate activities pertaining to the construction, upgrade and maintenance of all REG plants and properties in accordance with company policies, goals and governmental regulations. Prior to joining REG, Mr. Smith was the Senior Vice President of JE Dunn Construction.
