The World Liquid Gas Association is the global association that promotes the use of LPG to foster a safer, cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous world. WLGA is the authoritative voice of the global LPG industry and represents the full LPG value chain. The World Liquid Gas Association brings together over 300 private and public companies operating in more than 125 countries involved in one, several, or all activities of the industry; develops long-term partnerships with international organisations; and implements projects on local and global scales. As the business development director, I work with the global liquid gas industry and allied industries to bring clean, affordable, reliable, renewable, efficient, and safe energy solutions to consumers worldwide.

Fractional business development executive helping energy companies worldwide to:- develop new markets, - launch innovative products, - establish meaningful partnerships, - and secure renewable fuel projects.

Oberon Fuels produces renewable fuels for hard-to-decarbonize industries. The portfolio of fuels that Oberon produces includes renewable dimethyl ether, green methanol, and renewable hydrogen. I led efforts across the supply chain to commercialize renewable fuels including sourcing organic wastes, leading business development to secure offtake agreements, and coordinating market development including industry leadership, public presentations, marketing, and communications. During my time at Oberon Fuels, we commercialized the first renewable dimethyl ether for propane blending in North America, secured the first international shipment of renewable dimethyl ether, and were awarded two Global Technology Conference awards for technical innovation in the liquid gas industry.

The Propane Education and Research Council (www.propanecouncil.org) promotes the safe and efficient use of odorized propane gas through programs that support safety, training, and the development and commercialization of promising propane technologies. I led the propane industry’s business development efforts by providing leadership, strategy, and vision for business development on behalf of the US propane industry, while being actively involved in partnerships, market development, product development, and product commercialization. I also served on the executive team where my responsibilities include working with industry leadership to establish overarching strategy and executing to achieve the industry's objectives.

As the chief architect of the agriculture market portfolio, I was responsible for assuring propane meets the needs of the agriculture market through business development, outreach, and product development, while leading initiatives to increase demand for propane-powered products. This role leveraged my skills in leadership, strategy, business development, project management, and product development.

Mercaris (www.mercariscompany.com) was launched in November 2012 to provide market information and trading platforms for certified and identity preserved crops. The technology and information that Mercaris brings to the sustainable agricultural sector improve efficiency, increase market transparency, and support the continued growth of the industry. As a member of the early stage leadership team, my primary focus was on the development and launch of the Mercaris Trading Platform, developing new business opportunities and partnerships, and helping grow the company through leadership. This position leveraged my experience with startups, entrepreneurship, business development, product development, technology, and market analysis to help our customers succeed and Mercaris achieve its vision. During my time at Mercaris, we held an industry-first, online auction for identity-preserved grain. In this position, I increased my skills and knowledge around business start-ups, product development, and the marketing of grains and oilseeds.

Oxbow Animal Health (www.oxbowanimalhealth.com) is an internationally-recognized animal health company committed to meeting the health and nutrition needs of exotic pets. The products Oxbow produces all contribute to the well-being of pets and their caretakers. As a member of the company leadership team, I led the Product Quality and Innovation department in developing effective quality assurance processes and successful new products. The position leveraged my leadership, management, project management, and business strategy skills along with my interest in value-added agriculture and my understanding of quality systems, product development processes, and animal nutrition. During my time at Oxbow, we made important and effective improvements to the quality systems, implemented a Stage-Gate product development process, refined product development procedures, and launched numerous new products. In this role, I gained a deeper understanding of manufacturing businesses, international operations, and the animal health industry.

The Mid-Plains Center for Enterprise (www.centerforenterprise.com) provides educational solutions to help people, businesses, and communities be successful. As a member of the senior leadership team at Mid-Plains Community College, I led the development of this new division of the college with responsibilities including vision, strategy, planning, budgeting, sales, marketing, technology, personnel, and business development. The time I previously spent on the ground floor of a startup company, experiences helping businesses develop valuable solutions to opportunities, and my passion for rural communities all contributed to success in this role. Our successes included triple digit growth over five years, the launch of a customized corporate degree program recognized as a top ten innovation in community college workforce development, selection to participate in the British Prime Minister’s Initiative for International Partnerships to improve entrepreneurship education in the USA and the UK, and presentations at numerous national conferences. At the Center for Enterprise, I was able to further develop my leadership abilities while advancing my skills in all aspects of running a business.

AgInfoLink (www.tracegains.com) provides traceability and supply-chain management solutions to agri-food supply chains. I joined AgInfoLink in its first year of operation and served in a number of roles, including Technical Services Associate, Western USA Manager, International Projects Manager, and Verified Services Manager. My understanding of agri-food systems, technology skills, and ability to create valuable solutions to unique opportunities were valuable in these roles. I played a key role in developing numerous successful traceability solutions for business ventures in the USA, Australia, Brazil, Chile, England, Paraguay, Mexico, and Uruguay. I also led the development of a process verification solution which provided substantial growth for the company and a positive return on investment for customers. This division of TraceGains was recently sold to another company. I developed many competencies while at AgInfoLink, including business development, technology, management, startup operations, and international business.

Cattle-Fax (www.cattle-fax.com) is a member-owned organization providing information to cattle producers to help them make good marketing and management decisions. I served as a Market Analyst and also played an important role in market research. I provided commodity purchasing, marketing, and risk management information to producers across the western United States. I also researched market data to improve commodity price trend predictions and authored articles for national publications. Among the things I learned at Cattle-Fax were the importance of good listening skills, ways to communicate effectively in both verbal and written communications, the importance of data in decision making, the value in sharing both good and bad information, and a considerable amount about agribusiness and commodity markets.

Growing up, I was introduced to the merits of responsibility and hard work through a variety of roles that ranged from peon to grunt worker. Whether it was feeding animals on the family ranch, driving in the hay field for many hot and dusty hours each summer, getting up in the middle of the night to check pregnant cows, welding as my first job away from home, taking care of boarding pets at the vet clinic, or moving hay bales to get ready for college research projects; I learned a lot about taking responsibility for what needs done and getting it done well, no matter how difficult the task. The lessons I learned in my formative years benefit me still, today.