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FEW Awards


A Tradition of the FEW:
High Octane Award and Award of Excellence

BBI International and Ethanol Producer Magazine will continue the tradition of honoring individuals whose work and efforts in the ethanol industry deserve notice and celebration.

Accepting Nominations – Deadline is May 2nd, 2025

A team of industry professionals will review nominations and select this year’s winners. Winners will be presented their awards on stage at the FEW during the General Session, Tuesday, June 10th.

2025 Award of Excellence

The Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the fuel ethanol industry through their research, technical advisory and/or development activities.

2025 High Octane Award

The High Octane Award acknowledges a person who has helped the ethanol industry mature and progress over the years. This award recognizes a person whose passion and unstoppable pursuits have significantly benefited the ethanol industry. The High Octane Award honors a person for his or her passion and unstoppable pursuits that just seem to drive their daily routines and commitments.

2025 Women in Ethanol Award

The International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo and Ethanol Producer Magazine recognize women within the ethanol industry and highlight the crucial role women play in the growth and success of the ethanol industry.
Sponsored by CTE Global, the Women in Ethanol (WIE) Award Ceremony will be taking place Tuesday, June 10th, during the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop. The award ceremony recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the industry, whether it be through scientific research, business leadership, or advocacy efforts.


Congratulations to the 2024 FEW Award Recipients

Award of Excellence Recipient
Mark Yancey
D3MAX LLC
High Octane Award Recipient
David Zimmerman
Big River Resources-West Burlington LLC
Women in Ethanol Award Recipient
Jeanne McCarthy
Guardian Energy
Distinguished Service Award Recipient
Mike Bryan
BBI International

Here’s a look at the Awards History

2024 Award of Excellence - Mark Yancey (D3MAX LLC)
High Octane Award - David Zimmerman (Big River Resources - West Burlington LLC)
Women in Ethanol - Jeanne McCarthy (Guardian Energy)
Distinguished Service Award - Mike Bryan (BBI International)
2023 Award of Excellence - Kelly Davis (New Energy Blue, LLC)
High Octane Award - Mick Henderson (Commonwealth Agri-Energy, LLC)
Women in Ethanol - Emily Skor (Growth Energy)
2022 Award of Excellence - John Christianson (Christianson PLLP)
High Octane Award - Randall Doyal (Al-Corn Clean Fuel)
2021 Award of Excellence - Kurt Rosentrater (Iowa State University/USGC)
High Octane Award - Steve Markham (CHS Inc.)
2020 Award of Excellence - Douglas G. Tiffany (University of Minnesota)
High Octane Award - Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Clean Fuels Foundation)
2019 Award of Excellence - Dr. Scott Kohl (Franzenburg)
High Octane Award - Kristy Moore (KMoore Consulting LLC)
2018 Award of Excellence - Graeme Walker (Abertay University)
High Octane Award - Steve Vander Griend (ICM Inc., Urban Air Initiative)
2017 Award of Excellence - Dennis Bayrock (Phibro Ethanol Performance Group)
High Octane Award - Geoff Cooper(Renewable Fuels Assocation)
2016 Award of Excellence - Charles Abbas (Archer Daniels Midland)
High Octane Award - Tom Buis (Growth Energy)
2015 Award of Excellence - John Caupert (National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center)
High Octane Award - Ray Defenbaugh (Big River Resources)
2014 Award of Excellence - Dr. Larson "Lars" Dunn, Jr. (DuPont Industrial Biosciences)
High Octane Award - Shirley Ball (Ethanol Producers and Consumer (EPAC))
2013 Award of Excellence - Dr. Kevin Hicks (USDA, ARS)
High Octane Award - Dan Schwartzkopf (ICM, Inc.)
2012 Award of Excellence - Dr. Gerald Shurson (University of Minnesota)
High Octane Award - Larry Johnson (LLJ Consulting)
2011 Award of Excellence - Dr. Bruce E. Dale (Michigan State University)
High Octane Award - Rick Tolman (National Corn Growers Association)
2010 Award of Excellence - Gunter Brodl (Vogelbush USA)
High Octane Award - Jeff Broin (Poet/Growth Energy)
2009 Award of Excellence - Phil Madson (KATZEN International)
High Octane Award - Kathy Bryan (BBI International)
2008 Award of Excellence - Dr. Jay Shetty (DuPont)
High Octane Award - David Kolsrud (DAK Renewable Energy)
2007 Award of Excellence - Steve Lewis (Poet)
High Octane Award - David Kelsall (Ethanol Technology)

Awards Given Biennial

2000 Award of Excellence - Dr. Raphael Katzen (KATZEN International)
2001 Distinguished Service - Dick Gadomski (Process Systems Inc.)
2002 Award of Excellence - Dr. Rodney Bothast (Nat’l Corn-Etoh Research Center)
2003 Distinguished Service - Dave Vander Griend (ICM Inc.)
2004 Award of Excellence - Dennis Vander Griend (ICM Inc.)
2005 Distinguished Service - Patrick Foody (IOGEN)
2006 Award of Excellence - Dr. Mike Ingledew (Univ of Saskatchewan)

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