Novus Energy’s management group is led by President, Chief Technology Officer, and Co-founder, John Offerman.  In concert with its highly qualified Board of Advisors and Board of Governors, Novus Energy has the scientific knowledge, applied experience, professional skills and strategic relationships to make a significant impact in the burgeoning renewable biofuels industry.

John D. Offerman, President & CTO
John Offerman has over 25 years of experience in business development, scientific instrumentation, marketing and sales for the analytical chemistry and biotechnology industries. Prior to his co-founding of Novus Energy, Mr. Offerman served as CEO of National BioSciences, Inc., one of the largest global manufacturers of DNA. In addition to co-designing and commercializing an integrated technology to mass-produce biologically active DNA from organic precursor chemicals, he co-created and marketed the leading software product for the computer design of synthetic DNA sequences for a variety of biotechnology applications.  Mr. Offerman has also served on the board of several technology organizations, including Minnesota Technology (MTI), the Minnesota Biotechnology Association (MNBIO), and the Governor’s Council on Technology Transfer at the University of Minnesota.  Prior to the founding of Novus Energy® in 2004, he consulted emerging technology companies for business development and capital formation.

Jeffrey W. Lighthart, Vice President,  Site Development
Jeff Lighthart has over 30 years of experience in a range of fields including the founding of a forerunner biofuels company, applied technology sales to the banking industry, database development, computer networking and accounting.  Mr. Lighthart’s entrepreneurial experience in the renewable energy field helped shape the Novus Energy business model.  As Vice President of Site Development, Mr. Lighthart is responsible for RGL facility site evaluation, negotiating licenses with prospective site partners, developing programs and targeting biofuel producer sectors.  Mr. Lighthart is a co-founder of Novus Energy.

Albert R. Burbeck, Vice President of Engineering and Operations
With over 25 years experience in mechanical engineering and large-scale project management, Mr. Burbeck is spearheading the rollout of 50 or more Novus Energy biorefineries.  He is responsible for value engineering, product development and the delivery and start-up commissioning of each facility. Previous positions included project engineering and management for ConAgra Frozen Foods, Holly Farm Foods and Ibberson International, Inc. in Turkmenistan, NIS.  Mr. Burbeck received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

Diane L. Koepke, Controller
A graduate of University of California, Berkeley, CA., Ms. Koepke’s previous employment includes Augsburg College, Fairview Health Systems, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Cargill, Inc., Kroll Ontrack and SpanLink Communications, Inc. Additional employment includes Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. [currently KPMG], California Academy of Sciences, Medical Research Institute and Sonoma State University. She is responsible for managing the Company’s accounting and MIS systems.

Andrew Kampen, Director of Operations
Andrew holds a B.A in Environmental Science and an M.B.A. with emphasis in Finance from the University of St. Thomas. Andrew has over 10 years of experience in international development.  Prior to joining Novus Energy, Mr. Kampen served as an independent consultant to early-stage companies, as an Environmental Scientist with Shaw Engineering in Boston, MA and as a Volunteer Coordinator with Peace Corps, Bolivia.  As the Director of Operations, Mr. Kampen works closely with the Novus Energy engineering department on biorefinery planning, permitting, scale-up and optimization.

Ryan Kennedy, Chemical Engineer
Ryan holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.  Previously, Ryan has worked as an R&D Technician at 3M Corporation.  As a Chemical Engineer, Mr. Kennedy oversees the process modeling and simulation work used to design and size process equipment for Novus Energy biorefineries.  In addition, Ryan’s process simulation work will be used as the platform for the development of Operator Training and Data Control Systems.

Tracy Teyssier, Manager: Investor Relations
Ms. Teyssier received a B.A. in Geology from the University of Minnesota and is currently working on a Masters Degree in Environmental Science Education. She has worked with both the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Department of Transportation and various private companies in both scientific testing and science/engineering administration. Tracy was born and raised in England and is bilingual in English and French. She is the primary contact for prospective and current investors and is also assisting with communications regarding the expansion of Novus Energy to Europe.