Jeff Broin

Jeff Broin is dedicated to leaving a legacy that promotes health and sustainability for future generations. [2] Throughout his career, he has led the growth of one small biofuel plant to become 28 of the most sophisticated cleantech biorefining plants in the world, now known as POET. [3]

POET currently produces 1.9 billion gallons of clean-burning biofuels annually and will produce 2 billion by 2019, making them the largest global producer of biofuels. [4] Committed to sustainability, Broin's ongoing efforts contribute to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. [5] He is driven to change the world through the power of the sun, soil, and seed. [6]

As a leader in clean technology, Broin plays a crucial role in an industry that brings prosperity, jobs,[7] and cleaner domestic fuel to the U.S. [8] He is a recognized innovator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who continually advocates for the biofuels industry and also serves as Chairman of Growth Energy,[9] the leading biofuel trade association in the country.

Broin holds a longstanding belief that many of the world's problems can be solved through agriculture and innovations in clean technology. [10] This passion, along with research and development in the biofuels industry, unlocks the potential for more renewable resources to protect our planet. [11]

Broin has led POET to be one of the first in the world to commercialize cellulosic biofuel. [12] As part of a joint venture with Netherlands-based DSM, POET is pioneering cellulosic biotechnology and operates one of the first full-scale cellulosic plants in the U.S., Project LIBERTY, in Emmetsburg, Iowa.[13] This plant transforms agricultural waste into cellulosic biofuels,[14] producing 25 million gallons per year. A grand opening was held on September 3, 2014. [15]

The company has operated a pilot cellulosic biofuel plant since 2008 at the site of their first grain ethanol plant in Scotland, SD. [16]

• 2017 recipient of the George Washington Carver Award for Innovation in Industrial Biotechnology. This award honors and recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to building a biobased economy by applying industrial biotechnology to create environmentally sustainable products. [17]
• 2017 inductee into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. [18]
• 2017 recipient of Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from South Dakota State University. [19]
• Keynote speaker at the 2018 Biotech Innovation Showcase. [20]
• Keynote speaker at the 2018 University of South Dakota Distinguished Speaker Series. [21]

Broin is focused on providing a healthy environment for all POET team members, stressing the importance of health and wellness to having a fulfilling life. [22] Increasing access to nutritional, fitness, and spiritual resources is part of POET's larger health program, Energy for Life. [23] As part of this program, Broin leads POET to create 'Energy Centers' that are open to team members at no cost and include a variety of state-of-the-art exercise equipment. In addition to these facilities, POET places an emphasis on fitness and nutrition programs, offering on-site health screenings, yearly blood and biometric screenings, and one-on-one health consultations. [24]

According to Broin, "The fuel we produce at POET plants improves the health of our environment, our economy, and our nation's security. The health of our team members is just as important. As a society, we must do more to renew our body and mind." [25]

Broin's vision extends beyond business. He formed the POET Foundation to improve the lives of others, especially children, with a focus on agriculture. [26] Supported U.S. projects include Make-A-Wish, LifeLight, Children's Home Society, Global Health Ministries, 4-H, and FFA. [27]

In 2011, he and his family founded the non-profit Seeds of Change with the goal of transforming educational, agricultural, and environmental conditions worldwide. [28] Current projects include Mission Greenfield, which spreads agriculture technology by working with 80,000 farmers in Kenya; Mission Greenhouse, a multi-year project to develop a school for disadvantaged girls in Kenya;[29] Mission Breathe, a project focused in Kenya and Haiti to transition from solid cooking fuels (wood and charcoal) to clean liquid renewable biofuels;[30] and projects such as potable water development, health, and nutrition education in Africa. [31]

Jeff Broin grew up near Kenyon, MN. He holds a degree in Agricultural Business from University of Wisconsin and is husband of over 27 years to his wife, Tammie, and father to three children - Alyssa, Miranda, and Austin.[32]

[1] McElroy, Anduin Kirkbride (May 22, 2007) A Poetic Journey Ethanol Producer Magazine [2] Growth Energy Leadership and Board of Directors Retrieved Oct. 7, 2011 [3] Dolan, Kerry A. (Nov. 24, 2008) Mr. Ethanol Fights Back Forbes [4] ACORE Phase II of Renewable Energy in America National Policy Forum Speakers Retrieved Oct. 10, 2011 [5] Winchester, Cody (Sept. 26,2011) Poet hails $105 million loan guarantee Argus Leader [6] POET (Sept. 23, 2011) DOE grants final approval on POET cellulosic ethanol loan guarantee Retrieved Oct. 10, 2011