The American Coalition for Ethanol Board of Directors has elected its 2026 Executive Committee and Troy Knecht of South Dakota as the new board president.

Knecht is a farmer representing Redfield Energy, a 63 million-gallon-per-year (MGY) ethanol producer in Redfield, South Dakota. “It’s humbling to be the incoming President of ACE. I’m thinking of so many industry giants and leaders who currently serve on the board or have in the past,” said Troy Knecht. “I look forward to carrying on their legacy and the mission of ACE. Our grassroots efforts to support the ethanol industry and rural America are more important than ever right now, and I don’t take that lightly.”

Knecht replaces Dave Sovereign, who will now serve as chairman of the board. Sovereign is chairman of Golden Grain Energy’s Board in Mason City, Iowa and also serves on the board of Absolute Energy in St. Ansgar, Iowa.

“We are enormously grateful for the leadership and dedication Dave Sovereign has demonstrated during his five years as ACE board president,” said ACE CEO Brian Jennings. “Fortunately, Dave will continue serving on the board, where his experience and insight will remain a valuable asset to ACE and the industry. Further, Troy Knecht will be an outstanding president. We are excited he is stepping into the role and look forward to a strong year ahead for ACE and the ethanol industry.”

Chris Studer was elected to serve as Vice President of the ACE Board. He is Chief Member and Public Relations Officer for East River Electric Power Cooperative, which is a founding member of ACE dating back to 1987.

Re-elected to serve as officers on the 2026 Executive Committee are:
Ron Alverson, Secretary
John Christianson, Treasurer
Bill Dartt – Cardinal Ethanol in Union City, Indiana