SIRE: Farmer-Owned Sustainability
SIRE originated from a visionary group of local farmers who saw an opportunity to add value to their crops while supporting the local community. After grassroots fundraising gathered over $60 million in investment, the farmer-owned entity broke ground on a state-of-the-art, 110 million-gallon-per-year dry-mill ethanol facility. When SIRE became incorporated in 2005 and began production in 2009 on its 275 acres, it quickly became a major economic engine for the region, purchasing over 42 million bushels of corn annually from local farmers.
Today, hundreds of area farmers hold ownership stake in the company. By producing high-quality, low-carbon ethanol and feed products, SIRE exemplifies agricultural innovation and sustainability.
The founding farmers’ vision of communal progress through smart business lives on. As SIRE continues to implement energy-efficient technologies and explore renewable partnerships, they empower area growers to advance regenerative practices that benefit both family farms and the planet.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability has been a core value for SIRE since our founding farmers envisioned a community-centered ethanol facility. Upgrades have put our energy efficiency in the top 15% of peer plants. We also pursue partnerships to develop lower-carbon fuels, like our recent collaboration with Gevo to promote eco-friendly farming methods. This allows us to reward sustainable growing with higher profits for both our supplying farmers and our facility.
We implement regenerative agriculture practices with farmers across our supply chain to increase sustainability from the ground up. Our motivation is twofold: environmental stewardship is simply the right thing to do, and the growing biofuel market favors low-carbon ethanol. This unique business model exemplifies the visionary and community-focused spirit that has defined SIRE from the beginning.
Karol D. King
Chairman
Mr. King, the Board’s Chairman has a long career as a corn, popcorn, and soybean farmer near Mondamin, IA and owner of a number of ag-related businesses, including King Agri Sales, Inc. (marketer of chemicals, fertilizer and equipment) and Kelly Land Trucking, LLC. In addition, Mr. King has held leadership positions in numerous local and national ag producer groups, in particular the Iowa and National Corn Growers Associations and US Feed Grains Council Board. Mr. King attended Iowa State University.
Michael K. Guttau
Vice-Chair
Mr. Guttau was recruited to serve as an independent Series A Board member and as the “audit committee financial expert” given his background and experience as a banking executive and board member of a number of banking and civic organizations. Mr. Guttau’s experience includes more than 30 years as a rural banker and currently serves as Chairman of the Board at Treynor State Bank, providing a long-term view of agriculture and ag-related businesses. In addition to his many leadership position for Iowa and national banking and finance boards, Mr. Guttau received a B.S. in farm operations from Iowa State University in 1969 and completed numerous U.S. Army education programs from 1969 to 1978.
Theodore V. Bauer
Sec./Tres.
Mr. Bauer’s background as a farmer and agri-businessman, as well as his past service on a number of civic and corporate boards, including the Iowa Quality Producers Alliance, an organization devoted to value-added agriculture and rural economic development, are important factors qualifying Mr. Bauer as one of the Board’s Series A independent directors. Mr. Bauer is the President of Lake Anita Farms, LLC, owner and operator of a farming operation near Audubon, IA, and co-founder and director of Templeton Rye Spirits LLC from 2005 to 2007. Mr. Bauer has an Ag Business degree from Iowa State University and is a graduate of the Texas A&M TEPAP program.
Jill Euken
Director
Ms. Euken brings substantial experience and expertise in the agricultural sector and the bioeconomy industry which provide invaluable insights to our Board. Her leadership roles within the Iowa State University Bioeconomy Institute demonstrate the ability to consider and pursue innovative or new approaches which is critical to the long-term success of our ethanol plant and the agriculture and renewable fuels industries. In addition, her service on business development organization boards such as the Ag Ventures Alliance and the Iowa Quality Producers Alliance, reflect her dedication to value-added agriculture and rural economic development, which are important factors to our Board and its members.
Kevin Ross
Director
Following the resignation of The Honorable Hubert M. Houser from the Board in December 2020, the Board's Nominating Committee appointed Kevin Ross to the Board vacancy to serve through the 2022 annual meeting of the Company. Mr. Ross is an experienced owner-operator in the agriculture industry, managing his own row crop, hay, and cattle operation in Minden, Iowa for over two decades. Mr. Ross brings with him a wealth of experience, having served for 16- plus years as a founding board member and executive committee member of Western Iowa Energy, LLC—a biodiesel plant in Wall Lake, Iowa—and previously served as the chairman of the board of the National Corn Growers Association. Mr. Ross served as a board member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association from 2008 to 2015 and as President 2011 to 2012. Mr. Ross holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Studies from Iowa State University.
Gary Hoogeveen
Director
Gary is a seasoned board director and energy executive with decades of leadership across the energy, utility, renewable fuels, and transportation sectors. As a member of the Board of Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE), Gary brings deep expertise in ethanol markets, liquid fuels logistics, capital allocation, and regulatory strategy developed through senior executive roles at Pilot Travel Centers and Rocky Mountain Power. Gary was born and raised in northwest Iowa, grounding a personal appreciation for agriculture, rural communities, and the role ethanol plays in the regional economy. Gary holds a Ph.D. in Space Physics from Rice University and contributes a disciplined, systems level perspective to advancing SIRE’s long term competitiveness, operational excellence, and role in Iowa’s renewable fuels economy.
Daniel Oh
Director
Daniel has led a diverse range of business and management organizations. Currently, Mr. Oh serves as the President & Chief Executive Officer of AgCertain Industries, Inc. Founded in 2018, AgCertain delivers products and services where identity preservation and traceability matter. As part of AgCertain’s operations they operate glycerin and specialty oil refineries in Boone, Iowa and operate Maytag Dairy Farms in Newton, IA. Additionally, Mr. Oh owns and operates OEI, Inc., a 30-year-old company focused on investing in historic property restoration and infill development, delivering business & consulting services, and building companies. Prior to AgCertain, Mr. Oh served as the CEO of Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REG), an international biomass-based diesel and bioproducts focused company previously listed on NASDAQ. For 11 years, Mr. Oh served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, including Operation Desert Storm and held the rank of Major. Mr. Oh is a graduate of the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in economics and holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago with concentrations in finance, accounting and strategic management.
John Skrinar
Advisor
John is a Partner at Cresta Fund Management based in Southport, CT. At Cresta, he leads the sustainable investment strategy, focusing on transaction sourcing, transaction execution, and portfolio management. Prior to joining Cresta, John had been serving in an advisory role to a number of private equity entities and industry participants specializing in M&A, Structuring, and Commercial Optimization around the energy transition. Prior to that, he was the North American Head of Renewables for Gunvor, responsible for all aspects of the renewable energy business across refining, trading, logistics, and operations. He joined Gunvor from Noble Group, where he was a Managing Director, overseeing the Global Renewable Fuels business. Prior to Noble, John was Head of Clean Products & Renewable Fuels for Chemoil Corporation, a Glencore subsidiary.
Our Leadership Team
Our people are the heart of everything we do.
Every member of our team has helped shape SIRE into the sustainable, farmer-focused plant it is today.
Eric Fobes
CEO
Prior to joining SIRE in September 2025, Mr. Fobes spent 20+ years in executive commercial roles from trading and risk management to mergers and acquisitions in the renewable fuels industry always with a keen eye towards organizational growth.
Eric is responsible for leadership and general management of the business along with implementing SIRE’s growth strategy.
Eric is responsible for leadership and general management of the business along with implementing SIRE’s growth strategy.
Nick Jorgensen
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Jorgensen joined SIRE in 2026 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 15 years of experience across ethanol, agriculture, and energy industries. Mr. Jorgensen was previously the Head of Market Risk for Pilot Company and previously served as VP of Finance and Risk Management at Green Plains.
Nick is responsible for overseeing the company's financial strategy, planning, and operations to drive sustainable growth and long-term value creation.
Nick is responsible for overseeing the company's financial strategy, planning, and operations to drive sustainable growth and long-term value creation.
Eric Hakmiller
Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Hakmiller joined SIRE in August 2026 as Chief Operating Officer, bringing over 20 years of senior management experience in the ethanol industry. He began his career in corn wet milling and has managed operations at soybean crush, biodiesel, and protein concentrate facilities. He entered the ethanol industry in 2005 with Bunge and has since held leadership roles at Lincolnway Energy, Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings and Green Plains.
Eric is responsible for all operations at SIRE’s facilities in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Ord, Nebraska.
Eric is responsible for all operations at SIRE’s facilities in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Ord, Nebraska.
Kristan Barta
Director of Commodities
Ms. Barta has been at SIRE since the beginning of operations. Initially, as Commercial Manager for Bunge while officing at SIRE. She was hired into her current role in 2019. Prior to her connection with SIRE, Ms. Barta held various merchandising leadership roles and has an extensive background in the grain industry.
Kristan is responsible for the functions and team that makes up the commodity group. This includes corn origination, co-product marketing, ethanol marketing, truck/rail logistics, and scale and probe operations.
Denae Reeves
Director of Administration
Ms. Reeves joined SIRE in 2024. She brings experience in compliance, legal processes, and regulatory matters from roles in both the private and public sectors. Ms. Reeves holds a Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law.
Denae is responsible for the administrative team, including human resources, compliance, and safety.
Denae is responsible for the administrative team, including human resources, compliance, and safety.
Jordan Sunderman
Chief Strategy Officer
Prior to joining SIRE in March 2026, Mr. Sunderman founded the advisory firm Sunderman & Co., LLC and served as the Head of Carbon for Green Plains. Mr. Sunderman brings extensive expertise in the ethanol industry, carbon markets, and strategic planning.
Jordan is responsible for guiding SIRE’s long-term strategic initiatives and navigating the evolving landscape of renewable fuel tax credits to drive the company's continuous growth.
Jordan is responsible for guiding SIRE’s long-term strategic initiatives and navigating the evolving landscape of renewable fuel tax credits to drive the company's continuous growth.