2025 TopSoil®® Summit Speakers & Panelists

Meet Geoff Cooper

We’re excited to welcome Geoff Cooper, President & CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, to the stage as the first keynote speaker of the TopSoil® Summit!

🗣️ His keynote, “Farmers & BioFuels: A Time-Tested Connection”, will explore the critical and evolving role of biofuels in agriculture. Geoff will deliver expert insights straight from the front lines of the biofuel industry, offering:

✅ An overview of the state of renewable fuels
✅ Key intel from Washington, D.C. on policy, including Section 45Z
✅ Market updates on the Renewable Fuel Standard, trade deals, and global opportunities

With decades of leadership and advocacy in renewable fuels, Geoff brings unmatched perspective to this timely conversation.

🎓 From his work with the National Corn Growers Association to his current role at RFA—representing the heart of America’s ethanol industry—Geoff has shaped policy, markets, and public understanding around sustainable fuel solutions. He’s a decorated U.S. Army veteran and a widely respected voice in national energy policy.

Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the most influential figures in the bioeconomy.

🎟️ Sign up now for the TopSoil® Summit and be part of the conversation at the intersection of agriculture, energy, and innovation.

Meet the Farmer Panel

Josh Nelson farms in northeast Wright County, Iowa, where he raises corn, soybeans, small grains, and pork. A dedicated conservationist, Josh has made soil health the foundation of his operation. He implements no-till, strip-till, and cover crops on every acre, along with in-season nutrient management and advanced plant and soil testing. His use of alternative crop rotations helps reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers and herbicides. Josh also serves as chairman of the Wright County Soil and Water Conservation District and sits on the Land Stewardship Project’s Soil Health Steering Committee.

Matt Danner operates a multi-generational farm and contracting business in West Central Iowa. His family raises corn, popcorn, and value-added soybeans. In addition to farming, Matt leads a specialized contracting business focused on demolition, site preparation for new construction, and concrete crushing and recycling. His diverse operation reflects a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

John Carroll is managing partner of Carroll Family Farms, a multi-generational operation with roots in the United States and expansion into Brazil. With a focus on sustainability and global integration, John has built a business centered on long-term value, operational excellence, and family-driven leadership. His hands-on approach, strategic mindset, and deep respect for the land drive his mission to build a lasting legacy through innovation and hard work.

Meet the 45Z Connections Panel

Molly Stevens is an Analyst at Mickelson & Company, where she focuses on federal tax incentives for renewable energy, including the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. With a background in economic development, ethanol, and tax-driven financing, Molly helps ethanol producers and ag-based businesses understand and leverage tax credits. At the Summit, she will walk through the process of monetizing 45Z and explore its potential impact on biofuel producers and farmers.

Paul Neiffer, CPA provides expert tax and financial planning services tailored to farmers and their families, including income tax, estate tax, and Farm Service Agency (FSA) strategy. A former president of the Farm Financial Standards Council and past chair of the AICPA Ag Conference, Paul is a nationally recognized authority on farm finance. He writes the “FarmCPA” column for Top Producer magazine, hosts the Top Producer Podcast, and authors the popular blog FarmCPAReport.com. Paul will speak on tax strategies, succession planning, and the broader financial landscape surrounding 45Z and ag-based businesses.

Jack Sodak is a Compliance Auditor and Lead Verifier at EcoEngineers, with deep expertise in greenhouse gas emissions verification and renewable fuel compliance. Jack has conducted over 100 quarterly desk audits under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and supported more than 60 verification projects across the LCFS and IRA programs. His focus areas include Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, 45V Clean Hydrogen Credit, and regulatory programs such as California’s LCFS, Canada’s CFR, and the USEPA’s RFS. At the Summit, Jack will provide insights on verification, compliance, and what farmers and biofuel producers need to know to participate in low carbon fuel markets.

Meet the Elevating BioFuels with SAF Panel

Meg Whitty is Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at LanzaJet, a leading company in the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Meg began her career in biofuels over 17 years ago at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., where she supported farmers and rural businesses in accessing clean energy funding and emerging markets like biofuels. She later joined United Airlines, helping launch the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative to address supply chain barriers in the SAF industry. Since then, Meg has held leadership roles at startups and high-growth technology companies across strategy, innovation, marketing, business development, and operations. At the Summit, she’ll share her insights on the evolving clean fuel landscape and agriculture’s growing role in the aviation sector.

Kyle Ross is a chemical engineer and Head of Process Development at BioVeritas, where he leads efforts to scale and de-risk innovative bio-based technologies, including a novel sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pathway. His work centers on converting corn—including low-carbon corn—into jet fuel while reducing the overall carbon footprint of the production process. Kyle brings deep technical expertise in process development, scale-up strategy, and carbon intensity reduction. At the Summit, he will explore how agriculture and biofuel producers can better align with the demands of the renewable fuels industry, highlighting the opportunities ahead for SAF and beyond.