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WEST DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recently elected its Board of Directors, Officers and Executive Committee for 2026. Each producer member has a seat on the board and votes on officers. New officers will serve a one-year term during the 2026 calendar year. IRFA is most diverse renewable fuels trade association, with members producing ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, cellulosic ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel, and renewable natural gas. 

 2026 IRFA Board of Directors Officers 

President Nick Bowdish, Elite Octane and LSCP

Vice President Telly Papasimakis, Homeland Energy Solutions 

Treasurer Paul Nees, Chevron 

Secretary Chad Kuhlers, Golden Grain Energy 

Executive Director Monte Shaw (non-voting) 

“Renewable fuels can offer immediate and exciting opportunities in this challenging time for row crop agriculture,” said Bowdish. “As we navigate uncertainty in today’s farm economy, our focus will be on growing demand for corn and soybeans through increased adoption of renewable fuels. From E15 immediately to longer-term markets like marine fuels, IRFA will be relentless in knocking down roadblocks and working to expand markets for home-grown renewable fuels.” 

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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 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4.7 billion gallons annually – including 34 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 10 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 416 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.