Member Spotlight: Robert White
GEAPS’ August/September 2026 issue of the In-Grain newsletter features GEAPS Member Spotlight Robert White of Renewable Fuels Association. The full issue of In-Grain is available to GEAPS Members. If you aren’t yet a GEAPS Member, we invite you to sign up online.
About Robert White:
Position and Company:
Senior Vice President, Renewable Fuels Association
Chapter:
Kansas City
Geographic Region/Location:
Gardner, KS
Years with organization:
17
Years in Industry:
22
How does the mission and work of the Renewable Fuels Association intersect with the grain and grain processing industries that GEAPS serves?
The connection is incredibly strong because our industries depend on one another. Ethanol plants are, at their core, grain processing facilities. Every day, they transform corn into renewable fuel while also producing valuable co-products like distillers grains, corn oil, and carbon dioxide that support livestock, food, and industrial markets.
At RFA, our mission is to drive growth in sustainable renewable fuels and bioproducts for a better future and we do that through advocacy, education, and market development. That means we’re constantly working to create new demand for the products our members produce, whether that’s expanding access to E15 and higher ethanol blends, supporting exports, or helping educate policymakers and consumers about ethanol’s benefits.
GEAPS members are the engineers, operators, suppliers, and technical experts who help keep those facilities running efficiently and safely. As ethanol production continues to evolve with new technologies and greater efficiency, the relationship between RFA and GEAPS becomes even more important. When our organizations work together, we’re supporting the entire value chain—from the grain elevator to the fuel tank.
What has been the most valuable benefit you’ve personally gained from your involvement with GEAPS?
For me personally, it’s been the opportunity to build relationships outside of my traditional network. While RFA represents ethanol producers and advances renewable fuels policy, GEAPS brings together the people who design, build, operate, and support grain handling and processing facilities. Those conversations provide valuable perspectives that help me better understand the operational challenges and opportunities our members face.
What is the most valuable benefit RFA and GEAPS have gained from collaborating together?
From an organizational standpoint, the collaboration has helped strengthen connections between two industries that share many of the same members and suppliers. It has opened new opportunities to exchange ideas, introduce prospective members to both organizations, and ensure we’re working together to advance common interests rather than operating in separate silos.
From your perspective from a member-driven organization, what are some of the advantages of GEAPS’ new multi-tiered group membership model?
The biggest advantage is flexibility. Organizations today vary tremendously in size, structure, and how they engage with professional associations. A multi-tiered model allows companies to select the level of participation that best fits their organization while making it easier to involve more employees.
That’s a win for everyone. Companies receive greater value because more of their team members have access to GEAPS education, networking, and professional development. GEAPS benefits by engaging a broader cross-section of industry professionals, creating stronger relationships throughout member companies rather than with just one or two individuals.
Ultimately, strong member organizations are built by creating long-term engagement, and I believe this model positions GEAPS well for future growth.
Across renewable fuels and grain processing, what trends or emerging developments are you paying the closest attention to right now?
The industry is moving faster than it has in years. From my perspective, there are several developments that stand out.
First is continued market expansion for higher ethanol blends like E15. As more states adopt year-round E15 policies and additional retailers offer the fuel, we’re creating long-term demand growth for ethanol producers and, ultimately, for America’s farmers.
Second is the continued focus on lowering carbon intensity. Whether it’s carbon capture, process efficiency improvements, renewable power, or new technologies inside ethanol plants, producers are finding innovative ways to reduce emissions while remaining globally competitive.
I’m also watching the rapid evolution of emerging markets that recognize ethanol as a valuable low-carbon feedstock – think maritime, renewable chemicals, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and exports. Those opportunities have the potential to create entirely new sources of demand while reinforcing ethanol’s role in the future of transportation.
Finally, automation, data analytics, and AI are becoming increasingly important across grain handling and processing. Facilities that leverage technology to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability will have a significant competitive advantage.
What opportunities do you see for stronger collaboration between organizations like RFA and GEAPS to better serve the grain and grain processing industries?
I think there are tremendous opportunities to collaborate on education, workforce development, and industry advocacy.
Many professionals entering our industries don’t fully appreciate how interconnected grain production, grain processing, renewable fuels, and global agriculture really are. Together, our organizations can help tell that story while creating educational opportunities that benefit members across both industries.
There’s also tremendous value in sharing technical expertise and connecting suppliers, processors, and producers through conferences, committees, and networking events. The stronger those relationships become, the stronger our industries become.
Most importantly, both organizations are focused on helping members succeed. When we collaborate instead of operating independently, we create more value for our members and strengthen the entire agricultural value chain.
For someone who is new to GEAPS, what advice would you give them to get the most value from their membership?
My advice is simple: get involved early.
Attend Exchange, local chapter events, participate in committees, introduce yourself to people you don’t know, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Some of the most valuable experiences come from conversations with professionals who have decades of experience and are willing to share what they’ve learned.
I’d also encourage members to take advantage of GEAPS’ educational offerings and industry events. The technical knowledge is outstanding, but equally important are the relationships you build along the way.
I’ve found that the more you invest in an organization like GEAPS, the more value you receive in return—not just professionally, but personally as well. It’s a community that genuinely wants to see its members succeed.
