The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) announced its new Board of Directors Officers and Executive Committee for 2013, elected during its annual meeting held on December 11, 2012. Each producer member has a seat on the Board and votes on officers. New officers will serve a one year term during the 2013 calendar year.

2013 IRFA Board of Directors Officers:

• President, Rick Schwarck, Absolute Energy
• Vice President, Steve Bleyl, Green Plains Renewable Energy
• Treasurer, Brian Cahill, Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy
• Secretary, Tom Brooks, Western Dubuque Biodiesel
• Executive Director, Monte Shaw (non-voting)

The IRFA Executive Committee is comprised of the IRFA Officers and other members as elected by the Board. Elected to join the IRFA Officers on the Executive Committee for 2013 are: Past President Brad Albin, Renewable Energy Group; At-Large Craig Willis, ADM; and At-Large Eamonn Byrne, Plymouth Energy.

“2012 was a challenging year for ethanol and biodiesel in Iowa,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “The next twelve months will greatly influence the future of renewable fuels. Leveling the playing field through the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and empowering consumers through wider availability of E15 and higher biodiesel blends will be vital to the continued success of Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel producers in the future.”