Board of Directors

The Weitz Company
GEAPS Minneapolis Chapter

Alex Westlind is the business development director at The Weitz Company, LLC in Plymouth, MN. He has been a GEAPS member since 2009 and has served in Minneapolis chapter leadership as well as a director on the GEAPS Associates Board. Alex was elected in 2024 as second vice president, from which he succeeded annually to first vice president then to president in 2026. 

Cargill, Inc
GEAPS Minneapolis Chapter

Bob Horvat, PE, is the manufacturing tech lead for Cargill, Inc. in Wayzata, MN. He has been a GEAPS member since 2010 and was elected in 2019 as a board director. Bob has served GEAPS in many capacities including as a Minneapolis chapter leader and as GEAPS treasurer from 2020-2024. In 2024, Bob was elected first vice president, from which he annually succeeded to president then to chairman in 2026.   

Producers Co-op

GEAPS Great Plains Chapter

Jon Brown serves as the Capital Projects and Facility Advisor for Producers Co-op, where he provides strategic guidance on capital improvements, facility planning, maintenance, and operational efficiency. He is also the owner and operator of Capital Project Consulting Plus (CPC+), a full-service construction and consulting firm with its own general contracting and millwright crews. With more than 27 years of experience, Jon has successfully managed and completed over $400 million in capital projects across the agricultural, industrial, and commercial sectors. His expertise spans project planning, facility construction, equipment installation, maintenance programs, and safety training. Jon has been a GEAPS member since 2019 and has served as president of the Great Plains chapter, and International Board Director since 2023, and was appointed GEAPS treasurer in 2024. He was then elected second vice president in 2025 and succeeded to first vice president in 2026. 

Bulk Conveyors, Inc. (BCI)
GEAPS Michigan / Southern Ontario Chapter

Jeff Trudell is a processing sales rep with Bulk Conveyors, Inc. (BCI). He has been a GEAPS member since 2011 and is currently the president and treasurer of the MSO Chapter. He also serves GEAPS on the Exchange Education Programming Committee (EPC), Events Futures Committee (EFC), and is the co-chair of the GEAPS Great Lakes Regional Conference. Jeff was elected GEAPS second vice president in 2026. He is also a board member of the Frankenmuth Lions Club, past president and treasurer, and serves on his township board. 

CHS, Inc.
GEAPS Minneapolis Chapter

Sarah Fakhari is the director of global capital strategy (ag business) at CHS, Inc. – a Fortune 100 company and the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the USA. She worked 10 years in the Oil & Gas industry, then moved to a career in agriculture and became a GEAPS member when she started with CHS in 2017 as the director of terminal operations. She has spent more than 15 years working in some of the world’s busiest ports and with a variety of commodities including oil, gas, chemicals, coal, coke, fertilizer, grain, etc. Sarah was elected to the GEAPS International Board of Directors in 2024 and began serving as treasurer in 2025. 

Keen Project Solutions, LLC
GEAPS North Iowa Chapter

Matthew Schmitt, PE, SE, P.ENG. is the Structural Team Lead at Keen Project Solutions, LLC in Ankeny, IA. Keen offers design, build, and EPC solutions to the industry across North America. A GEAPS member since 2014, he is the current president of the North Iowa Chapter, past president of the Greater Iowa Chapter, past chair of the Membership Committee, and past GEAPS Associates Board of Directors. Matthew has worked in the grain, seed, and grain processing industries for more than 10 years. During that time, he has earned GEAPS Credentials in Grain Operations Management, Grain Processing Management, and a Specialist Credential in Grain Handling Equipment Management. Matthew has served on the International Board of Directors since 2021 as its Secretary.

Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS)
GEAPS Cornbelt Chapter

John Caupert was named CEO of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) in December 2023 to provide leadership and direction while guiding the international activities and events of the member-driven organization. John has more than three decades of experience in the grain and biofuels industries. His expertise has made him a sought-after voice, conducting speaking engagements to a diverse range of audiences. John is frequently called upon to educate, motivate and inform members of academia, industry, and policymakers about the latest news, needs and opportunities in the bioeconomy-driven sector of agriculture.

MKC - Mid Kansas Cooperative
GEAPS Great Plains Chapter

Scott Biel is the director of operational risk management at MKC in Moundridge, KS, where he leads initiatives to enhance workplace safety, regulatory compliance, preventative maintenance, and risk management. A GEAPS member since 2021 with over eight years of experience, he fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Scott actively contributes to GEAPS, serving as a member of the Education and Training Committee and Finance Committee. He also leads the MKC Safety Committee and supports the GEAPS Great Plains Chapter events. He was elected to the GEAPS International Board of Directors in 2025.