The National Biodiesel Board’s annual awards recognize a diverse group of individuals and organizations thathave made significant contributions to biodiesel. From long-time champions to present-day breakthroughs, the commercial biodiesel industry wouldn’t be where it is today without these individuals.

“These leaders are integral to the growth and development of the biodiesel industry, and we would not have seen the strength in the biofuels sector this year without their extensive dedication,” said NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. “Our association applauds and thanks these innovative individuals for the strides they have made to push our industry forward. We understand we would not be a leading player in renewable fuels without their contributions.” 

NBB recognizes the 2019 “Eye on Biodiesel” award winners throughout the week at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. The honorees are:

Cory-Ann Wind, Oregon Clean Fuels Program Manager, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality—Climate Leader Award

Cory-Ann Wind and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality have served as long-time leaders in efforts to protect our climate and natural environment. DEQ administers the state’s Clean Fuels Program, which is led by CFP Manager Cory-Ann Wind. The CFP requires gradually increasing carbon intensity reductions for transportation fuels, culminating in a 10 percent reduction in 2025. Following only the second year of program implementation, biodiesel use in Oregon grew to 51 million gallons. In addition, biodiesel accounted for nearly 35 percent of credits earned under the CFP in 2017. DEQ and Wind have been dedicated to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment that has led to efficient, science-based implementation of the CFP. Their strong sustainability and environmental stewardship make them highly deserving Climate Leader award winners.

NTEA-The Association for the Work Truck Industry—Industry Partnership Award

 Confidence and promotion of biodiesel in fleet operations is instrumental in the overall success of America’s advanced biofuel. NTEA, The Association for the Work Truck Industry, has been a key industry partner and continues to help the biodiesel market thrive. NTEA represents more than 2,050 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks. It also provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services.

NBB partnership with NTEA has been instrumental in getting biodiesel information to the critical audience in the work truck industry.

Casey’s General Stores—Impact Award

In the past year, Casey’s General Stores has become a leading player in the biodiesel industry, keeping biodiesel in high consumer demand. Casey’s is committed to providing customers the safest, most reliable gasoline and diesel fuel. It believes when customers pull up to the pump, they should get what they paid for. Now, Casey’s is enhancing that promise with new fuel options for consumers. Their stores have taken a pro-biofuels approach, and are promoting a new E15 ethanol program, “Prime the Pump,” in addition to blending more biodiesel.

Casey’s has now converted more than 590 stores to biodiesel and plans to expand the use of biodiesel products to another 300 locations. With this prominence across the country, the biodiesel industry has an opportunity to make strides in public awareness and usage of America’s advanced biofuel.

Ron Kotrba, Editor of Biodiesel Magazine—Influence Award

Ron Kotrba has served as editor of Biodiesel Magazine for nearly a decade, providing key insights into the industry and covering every nuanced topic in the space with precision. Before becoming editor of Biodiesel Magazine, Kotrba was a senior writer for all of BBI International’s publications, writing for the company since January 2005.

In his time with Biodiesel Magazine, Kotrba has gone above and beyond to create awareness and provide an important platform for the voices within the industry. His depth of knowledge on the issues affecting the industry has led to strong, consistent reporting of the complex issues faced over the years. Under Kotrba’s leadership, Biodiesel Magazine continues to be a critical platform for sharing biodiesel success stories that are key to building support for industry growth.

Prior to his time with BBI International, Kotrba was an advanced engineering laboratory technician for an OEM exhaust supplier and was involved in developmental work on diesel aftertreatment systems such as diesel particulate filters, urea SCR and lean NOx traps. Kotrba earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.

Stephen Kaffka, Extension Agronomist, Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis—Inspiration Award

Stephen Kaffka is the current director of the California Biomass Collaborative and extension specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of California, Davis. Kaffka has served as an instrumental leader for many years in advocating for environmental stewardship and agricultural sustainability. His passion in these areas have made him a strong influence in the biodiesel industry.

Kaffka has been a key advisor during implementation of the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard. He participated in California Air Resources Board’s Indirect Land Use Change Expert Workgroup and the LCFS Sustainability Workgroup. His expertise on agricultural production bridged the gap between the good things that farmers can do, and the environmental metrics desired by the ARB and their stakeholders who place environmental protection as a top priority. As a result, biodiesel producers are participating in an expanding California market while the carbon reduction goals are being exceeded. Kaffka’s work is a prime example of how the biodiesel industry is built on research and sound scientific data, but always needs conscientious experts to communicate that understanding across diverse constituencies.