“We couldn’t be more excited to elevate Donnell to the permanent position of CEO,” said NBB Chairman Ron Marr. “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.”
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. As COO, Rehagen managed the implementation and execution of NBB’s 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, NBB’s signature event that attracts thousands of enthusiasts to learn more about biodiesel and for industry professionals to network with their peers.
“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.
“I have a passion for this industry,” Rehagen said. “I’m proud to be a part of the team that has helped lead biodiesel’s growth to become the first advanced biofuel to reach full commercialization, but I also recognize the challenges we face. It is incumbent upon us as an organization to define and manage a path that ensures we continue the industry’s ascent.”
The 2018 Renewable Fuel Standard’s volume requirements are expected to be announced by the end of the month 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.
Chairman Marr also thanked the Governing Board’s search committee who led the search effort that attracted nearly 300 applicants.
“We had no shortage of qualified candidates. This was no easy task. But when our decision was made, it was exciting to look around the room and have everyone agree that we could not have found a more outstanding leader for our organization,” Marr said.
Jon Leafstedt and Gary Weihs, managing partners with Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search firm focused on the food, agribusiness, and renewables sectors, conducted a rigorous national CEO search for the NBB and assisted in evaluating a strong slate of well-qualified CEO candidates.
Donnell has a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Missouri – Columbia and a Bachelor’s Degree 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.
