The Renewable Fuels Association honored ethanol industry pioneer Rick Schwarck with the 2025 Industry Award at the National Ethanol Conference in Nashville.
“Since co-founding Absolute Energy twenty years ago, Rick Schwarck has demonstrated remarkable leadership in advocating for ethanol, defending the policies that have helped our industry grow, and advancing ethanol’s scientific underpinnings,” RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said. “He has also been a driving force in forging industry unity and collaboration. Rick has often played the role of peacemaker, and he has a special talent for bringing people together to solve complex problems. When there have been family squabbles—and there have been a few over the years—Rick is the calm voice of reason that helps everyone get back on the same page.”
Schwarck recently retired as CEO of Absolute Energy near St. Ansgar, Iowa but he continues to serve on of the biorefinery’s board of directors and represents the company as a board member of the Renewable Fuels Association, where he has previously served as board secretary.
RFANEC Industry Award (8:30)