Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Kelly R. Marczak and Douglas G. Tiffany to the NextGen Energy Board. Both are appointed to complete terms that expire on June 30, 2014.

Marczak, of Coon Rapids, is the director of clean fuel and vehicle technologies with the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, where she manages its biofuels activities through its Clean Air Choice consumer education program, serves as administrator for Minnesota’s biodiesel, E85 and intermediate ethanol blend infrastructure development grant program and provides technical support to fuel stations and vehicle owners. Previously, she held positions as an associate and manager of the American Lung Association of Minnesota’s outdoor air programs. Marczak earned a bachelor of applied science degree in health education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She is a member of the Minnesota Biodiesel Task Force, has assisted with the development and editing of the Alternative Fuel Data Center’s E85 Toolkit website, and designed and compiled the E85 Resource Guide, published by the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition. Marczak replaces Michael Bull as a representative of statewide environment and natural resource conservation organizations on the NextGen Energy Board.

Tiffany, of North Oaks, is an assistant extension professor in biofuels production economics with the University of Minnesota (U of M) Extension Service where he conducts research on production economics of Korean high oil corn, biomass integrated gasification combined cycle at dry-grind ethanol plants, and densification of corn stover. He has also served as a research fellow with the U of M’s Department of Applied Economics, a lecturer with the Institute of Public Affairs, and a senior fellow and endowed chair in agricultural systems with the Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences. Tiffany has had numerous publications, and seminar and conference presentations on ethanol and biomass. Tiffany earned his master of science as well as his bachelor of science degrees in agricultural economics from the U of M. Tiffany replaces Robert King as a representative of the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture on the NextGen Energy Board.

The NextGen Energy Board was created to research and report to the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Legislature recommendations as to how the State of Minnesota can invest its resources to most efficiently achieve energy independence, agricultural and natural resources sustainability, and rural economic vitality. The board consists of 19 members, including eight appointed by the Governor.