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Resignations reshuffle area ethanol plant
Published 10:54am Thursday, October 30, 2008Coinciding with many challenges to the ethanol industry are changes to top management at Otter Tail Ag Enterprises which operates the ethanol plant northwest of Fergus Falls. Chief Executive Officer Kelly Longtin is being replaced by Anthony Hicks as interim CEO and Plant Manager Gunner Greene is being replaced by Keith Wetzel who will serve as interim plant manager.
Hicks currently serves Otter Tail Ag Enterprises as chief financial officer and Wetzel is the ethanol plant’s operations manager.
The changes take effect on Friday, Oct. 31. Both Longtin and Greene have agreed to assist Otter Tail Ag Enterprises during the transition to a new management team.
A press release issued by Otter Tail Ag said that Longtin and Greene plan to pursue other career opportunities.
“These changes come at a time when our industry is facing one of its most challenging periods,” Hicks said. “The board and senior management have confidence in renewable fuels. We’ll continue to work diligently to maintain the excellent record that the company has achieved to date.”
Longtin and board chairman Jerry Larson were unavailable for comment this morning to provide more details about reasons for the departures of Longtin and Greene.
Larson, through the press release, expressed his appreciation to Longtin and Greene for their service to the company and its members.
“Kelly and Gunner were instrumental is putting together a competent team of employees at the ethanol plant,” Larson said. “With their leadership, the company came through the construction process on time and on budget.”
Longtin said he’s proud to have participated in the plant’s development. He and board chairman Larson said the plant has become the focal point for corn deliveries from area farmers and a centerpiece of the agri-business community pride, adding to the nation’s energy security.
“As the company continues to transition from its development phase to full operational production, the Otter Tail Ag Board will continue to closely evaluate the operational needs of the ethanol plant,” Larson said. “Since Anthony and Keith have been with the company since prior to start-up, Otter Tail Ag is well positioned to continue day-to-day operations without missing a beat.”
The board will evaluate options for its permanent leadership needs as part of the ethanol industry.
“Keith has been Gunner’s right hand man since the fall of 2007 and will step up to the role of managing day to day activity in the plant,” said Hicks in the press release.
Hicks has been involved in the company’s activity from inception. Wetzel has many years of experience in the ethanol industry, working at both the Morris and Benson facilities.
“Keith has accumulated over nine years of knowledge,” Hicks said. “This, combined with our present board being founding members, gives Otter Tail Ag Enterprises exceptional strength.”
