The American Biogas Council (ABC) announced that its Board leadership will transition as longtime Chair Bernie Sheff of Burns & McDonnell hands the ABC Board gavel to Randy Beck, Senior Director of Renewable Energy at WM. Sheff will step down after 15 years of dedicated service to the organization, including 12 years as Board Chair.
During Bernie Sheff鈥檚 12 years as Board Chair, the U.S. biogas industry experienced extraordinary growth. The number of new biogas capture facilities increased by 812 (45%), while annual biogas-derived methane production grew 6.5 times to approximately 360 Bcf. Sheff helped guide the Board and Executive Director Patrick Serfass through major industry milestones, including the development of innovative federal and state policies and new market opportunities that continue to strengthen the industry. Under Sheff鈥檚 and Serfass鈥� leadership, the American Biogas Council also developed the only digester operator school, the only digestate certification program, and BIOGAS AMERICAS, the largest tradeshow and conference for the industry in North America.
鈥淏ernie鈥檚 leadership has been instrumental to the success of the American Biogas Council and the growth of our industry,鈥� said Patrick Serfass, Executive Director of the American Biogas Council. 鈥淗is steady guidance, deep technical expertise, and unwavering commitment have helped position biogas as a vital part of America鈥檚 energy, agricultural, and waste management future. We are profoundly grateful for the thousands of hours he鈥檚 donated to growing the only trade association that represents the entire biogas industry in the U.S.鈥�
鈥淚 am at once both humbled and awed by the achievements of the ABC and the contribution our organization has made to propel the evolution of the biogas industry over the past 15 years, and proud to have been part of leading this amazing team!鈥� said Bernie Sheff, former ABC Board Chair. 鈥淲e always kept our eyes clearly on where we wanted to go and never gave up on this journey, and it has paid off. I look forward to continuing to be a part of the board that leads this amazing, purpose-driven group ahead toward a future of American-made energy available to all. Randy鈥檚 leadership is what the ABC needs for this next chapter.鈥�
Randy Beck is a 35-year energy industry veteran and currently serves as Senior Director of Renewable Energy at WM (91直播 Management). He leads the development of WM鈥檚 extensive portfolio of landfill gas-to-energy and renewable natural gas projects.
Beck has played a central role in developing, constructing, and operating more than 90 renewable energy facilities and bringing over 20 new RNG projects online. Under his leadership, WM鈥檚 renewable natural gas portfolio is expected to reach approximately 30 Bcf of RNG production annually by the end of this year. Randy鈥檚 broad experience spans engineering, operations, project development, and strategic market growth, making him exceptionally well positioned to lead the ABC Board.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored to be elected Chairman of an organization that has been critical to supporting and growing the biogas industry,鈥� said Randy Beck. 鈥淭he ABC has created tremendous opportunities for biogas development through our policy advocacy, education, and outreach. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and members to eliminate barriers to emerging markets, expand opportunities, and ensure biogas continues to provide jobs, strengthen our economy, and deliver homegrown renewable energy and organic recycling solutions to communities across the country.鈥�