John Caupert

John Caupert grew up on a grain and livestock farm in Southern Illinois. After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness Economics and his Master’s Degree in Agribusiness Policy, John embarked on his career in both for profit and nonprofit agribusiness. 

John has more than three decades of experience in the agriculture and biorenewables industries. Under John’s leadership, as Executive Director of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center, he directed the commercialization of more than 80 technologies into the commercial marketplace. Those technologies generate more than $7 billion per year in annual revenue. 

John’s 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. Three times John has been recognized as an industry leader in the Business Journal’s “Who’s Who in Energy”. 

In December 2023, John was named Executive Director of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS), where he provides leadership and direction, while guiding the international activities and events of the member driven GEAPS organization and the GEAPS Media Group. 

John and his wife Jodee live in the thriving farm community of Waterloo, IL where they both serve in leadership and volunteer activities. John and Jodee are the proud parents of Jaynanne, a member of the D1 Football, Basketball and Competition Cheer Team at Lindenwood University.