#Biodiesel Board Names New CEO

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today named Donnell Rehagen as the trade group’s chief executive officer. Rehagen has been chief operating officer for NBB since 2004 and was named interim CEO in June.

New NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen

“We couldn’t be more excited to elevate Donnell to the permanent position of CEO,” said NBB Chairman Ron Marr. “His detailed knowledge of our organization 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 organization’s program 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 fleet including implementation of their biodiesel (B20) use program.

Rehagen is excited about the new opportunity. “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 commercialization, but I also recognize the challenges we face,” said Rehagen, who adds that one task he will be immediately working on is member visits to Capitol Hill at the end of next month when 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.

The NBB Governing Board search committee led the effort to identify and sort through nearly 300 potential candidates for the CEO position. “The Governing Board was extremely pleased with the quantity and quality of the applications for the CEO position,” said Ron Heck, Iowa Soybean Association. “In the end, Donnell’s proven record of success at NBB made the difference in the final selection. His deep knowledge of the participants and process in the growth of the biodiesel market means that NBB will continue its success.”

Rehagen has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Missouri – Columbia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from Southwest Missouri State University. He was born and raised in Jefferson City, where he and his wife Shelly have raised four children and are now the proud grandparents of two young boys.
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