JEFFERSON
CITY, Mo., Oct. 31, 2016 – After conducting a search effort that attracted
nearly 300 applicants, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) selected as its new CEO an
individual who was already deeply familiar with the organization.
The NBB
named Donnell Rehagen as the trade group’s chief executive. Rehagen was named
interim CEO in June after serving 12 years as NBB’s chief operating officer.
“We
couldn’t be more excited to elevate Donnell to the permanent position of CEO,” NBB Chairman Ron Marr said in a release. “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 of NBB’s $14 million annual 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, which is scheduled for
Jan. 16-19 in San Diego.
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.
“Donnell
will be just the fourth chief executive to lead NBB in our nearly 25 years as
the country’s largest trade association representing the biodiesel industry,”
Marr said. “It’s that kind of stability in our leadership and our commitment to
providing our membership the tools to be successful that has helped make
biodiesel a 2 billion-gallon-per-year industry.”
Rehagen
said he is excited for the opportunity take on new responsibilities to help the
industry meet current challenges and prepare for more growth ahead.
The
2018 Renewable Fuel Standard’s volume requirements for biodiesel are expected to be announced
by the end of November and Rehagen said he’s hopeful the EPA will recognize
the national benefits that will be realized by increasing biodiesel’s
requirement to 2.5 billion gallons.
Additionally,
Rehagen said he will immediately continue the task he began as interim CEO of
helping to coordinate members’ visits to Capitol Hill at the end of November.
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 to keep
the focus on domestic production.
Donnell
has a master's in public administration from the University of Missouri –
Columbia and a bachelor’s 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 of their own. They are also the proud grandparents of two young
grandsons.
#30
