Contact: Cassidy Riley
515-252-6249

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is pleased to announced Cassidy Riley as its new Communications Director.

Riley’s responsibilities in this position will include media and member relations, social media and web communication, promotion of biodiesel and biodiesel co-products, and many other duties.

Riley most recently worked as the Central Iowa Field Director for Senator Chuck Grassley’s 2016 reelection campaign. Prior to the campaign she clerked in the Iowa House of Representatives for Rep. Tom Moore.

“I’m thrilled to join the IRFA team because I get to use my skills in communications to advocate for the growth of something I believe in – renewable fuels that are good for our economy, environment, and national security,” she said.

Riley is originally from the east side of Des Moines. She graduated from the University of Iowa in December 2015, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Political Science. During college she completed several journalism and public relations internships that often entailed researching and writing about rural Iowa, agriculture, and renewable fuels – sparking her current passion for all three.

“We are excited to have someone with Cassidy’s experience and perspective joining the team,” IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw said. “She has the strong communications skills and industry knowledge that we need.  However, having grown up in urban Iowa, Cassidy also brings a fresh non-ag viewpoint that can help us better communicate to our target consumers and better understand their concerns.”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production with 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4 billion gallons annually – including nearly 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce over 350 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org

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