Western Iowa Energy’s Brad Wilson elected to lead Iowa Biodiesel Board

ANKENY, Iowa –  Brad Wilson, president and general manager of Western Iowa Energy, has been elected by his peers to serve as the new chair of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. 

The board of directors elected Wilson during the Iowa Biodiesel Board and National Biodiesel Board Regional Annual Meeting, September 18 – 19 in Des Moines.

“I look forward to playing an active role in leading the Iowa Biodiesel Board for many reasons, but the most important is the organization’s focus on bringing additional value up and down the entire supply chain, from the farmers and feedstock suppliers through the end user,” he said. 

Wilson became president and general manager of WIE in 2016. The multi-feedstock plant recently grew its capacity from 30 to 45 million gallons per year. It employs about 30 people, many with young families in Wall Lake, Iowa, a town of about 800 residents.

“Iowa is not only the top biodiesel producing state, but a strong leader in driving critical federal policy like the Renewable Fuel Standard and biodiesel tax credit,” Wilson said. “I look forward to stepping up to the challenge this position brings.”  

Wilson, who previously served as IBB’s vice chair, replaces Tom Brooks, general manager of biodiesel producer Western Dubuque Biodiesel in Farley, Iowa. He stepped down after serving as chair for three years. 

The full slate of officers for the organization is now as follows:

• Chair: Brad Wilson, Western Iowa Energy 
• Vice Chair: Doug Lenhart, REG
• Secretary: Reed Herzig, Bayer 
• Treasurer: Courtney Lawrenson, AGP 

Biodiesel is made from a diverse mix of resources, including recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats. 
The Iowa Biodiesel Board is a state trade association representing the biodiesel industry. For more information on biodiesel, visit www.iowabiodiesel.org.