Vertex Energy is a leader in the aggregation, recycling and processing of distressed hydrocarbon streams thereby reducing the United States'

Sustainability

Vertex Energy

Mr. Khoury joined Shell Oil Products US Company in 1991 and at the time of his retirement in late 2021, Mr. Khoury served as the Regional Vice President of Commercial – Fuels Supply, Distribution & Trading– Americas, and was a member of Shell’s Global Products Trading & Supply Executive Leadership team. During his most recent 5+ year tenure, he led all regional commercial, supply, and logistics activities across 35 clean fuels terminals, including P&L management, value chain optimization, price risk management, business development and origination, bio/renewable fuels program compliance and optimization, and overall leadership of Shell’s US Downstream Fuels integrated business units. Prior to that, Mr. Odeh served as Vice President & General Manager of the Motiva Convent, Louisiana Refinery on behalf of Motiva Enterprises LLC (a former JV between Shell Oil Products & Saudi Aramco) (“Motiva”). From 2011 to 2013, Mr. Khoury held the position of Senior Operations Director for the Motiva & Shell Norco, Louisiana Petrochemical Complex, where he provided senior operations leadership for three separate sites (Fuels Refinery, Olefins Complex and Bitumen Refinery). Previously in 2009-2010, Mr. Khoury served as the US Gulf Coast Regional Director of Strategic Business Improvement - Refining & Chemicals for Shell Oil Products US Co., where he was responsible for strategic improvements across their refining and chemicals portfolio. In the preceding three years, Mr. Khoury served as Director - Strategy & Business Development for Supply & Distribution with Motiva, where he led business development and fuels/biofuels distribution strategy and managed third party commercial contracts and relationships. From 1991 to 2005, Mr. Khoury held various technical, operational, and commercial roles with Shell Oil Products US Co. Between 2011 and 2021, Mr. Khoury served on several boards and trade associations, including Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association (LMOGA), Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA), National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), First Coast Energy LLC in Jacksonville, FL., TriStar Energy LLC in Nashville, Tennessee and most recently served as Shell’s Executive Member on American Petroleum Institute (API) Downstream Committee. Mr. Khoury obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland and an MBA from Rice University in Houston, Texas. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Khoury is well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors due to his more than 30 years of experience in the downstream and midstream energy industry. Mr. Khoury brings to the Board significant insight, extensive technical, operational, and commercial expertise, as well as broad executive and general management experience.

Odeh Khoury

Ms. Maston has decades of experience representing clients in complex environmental, energy, contract, fiduciary, and other cutting-edge legal matters. After graduating magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Ms. Maston worked at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Following her tenure at Mayo Clinic, Ms. Maston joined Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas as the Assistant Director of Occupational Therapy (1978-1979), and then became the Director of Occupational Therapy for St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital and The Texas Heart Institute (1979-1984). Ms. Maston graduated from The University of Texas Law School with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1986 and began her legal career with the global law firm of Baker Botts L.L.P. During her 17-year tenure at Baker Botts, she was elected as an equity partner. Ms. Maston accepted a position as a partner with the environmental boutique law firm Connelly Baker Maston Wotring and Jackson from 2003 to 2007. Ms. Maston continued as a partner in private practice, including serving as the managing partner of the Houston office of the international law firm of Sedgwick, L.L.P., and was a member of the firm’s executive committee. Ms. Maston left private practice in 2015 to accept a position with the Department of Justice serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, which position she held from January 2015 to October 2018. Ms. Maston is currently licensed to practice law in the states of Mississippi, Texas, and West Virginia and as an Occupational Therapist in Nebraska and Texas. She is a supporter of the arts and has served as an advisory board member of Children at Risk and the Houston Grand Opera. The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Maston is well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors because of her significant legal and management experience.

Karen Maston

Mr. Strickland joined Vertex in 2007, serving in a variety of leadership and executive roles ranging from Manager of Supply to Chief Operations Officer, which he held from October 2015 to June 2022. Prior to joining Vertex, Mr. Strickland was employed by Texpar Energy L.L.C., first as General Manager from November 1999 to November 2003, and then as Project Manager from November 2003 to October 2007. From 1986 to 1999, he was the General Manager and Vice-President of Sellers Oil Inc., then one of the largest recycling and fuel marketers of used oil and #6-fuel oil in the southeast. Mr. Strickland has over 21 years of experience in management roles of developing companies in the recycling of used oils and the fuel blending business. In his various positions, he has developed used oil collection fleets, environment services (non-hazardous), terminal business of #6-oil from water ports and helped develop software for used oil collection fleets.

John Strickland

Mr. Rice joined Vertex in early 2020, bringing 40 years of energy industry experience to the Company. Previously, he served in executive leadership roles with Rice Oil, Allied Energy Company, Crystal Energy LLC, Division President of Emerge Energy Services LP, and Joint Venture Partner with Lansing Trade Group and Andersons, Inc. Bart has been instrumental in creating supplemental revenue streams around renewables and conventional fuels, pioneering the blending of ethanol with gasoline, biodiesel manufacturing, environmental reclamation, and trans-mix distillation, including hydrotreating and pipeline terminal operations. As President of Renewable and Conventional Fuels, Rice leads the oversight of Vertex's renewables strategy, including the commercial development of alternative feedstocks in the production of renewable diesel.

Bart Rice

Mr. Cowart has served as the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President since April 2009. Mr. Cowart has been involved in the petroleum recycling industry for over 30 years. Mr. Cowart is the founder of the Vertex group of companies and has served such companies since 2001. As a leader in the recycling field, Mr. Cowart helped pioneer the reclamation industry by developing recycling options for many residual materials once managed as hazardous waste. Mr. Cowart has served on NORA’s Board of Directors and as President since 2008. Mr. Cowart was a finalist for 2015, Gulf Coast Area, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®. Mr. Cowart has taken an active role in the petroleum industry with his involvement in speaking, consulting, chairing, and serving on various committees and industry associations. Prior to the formation of Holdings, Mr. Cowart served as the Vice President of Aaron Oil Company, a regional recycler in Alabama.

Benjamin Cowart

Robyn Snyder is currently the Logistics Manager at [Vertex Energy](/org/vertex-energy). Robyn has over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Snyder started their career in 1991 as a Sales Manager at the Westpark Hotel. Robyn then transitioned to [Glencore](/org/glencore) in 1994 as an Executive Assistant. In 1996, they became Operations Manager at Novarco, LTD where they helped establish the company as a recognized US commodity expert. Snyder then moved to Shell Oil Trading Company in 1999 as the Operations and Marketing Director. In their current role at [Vertex Energy](/org/vertex-energy), Snyder is responsible for scheduling all residual fuel and feedstock transportation for Gulf Coast. Robyn also researches and analyzes the marketplace to insure highly efficient operations and to remain competitive.

Robyn Snyder has a Bachelor of Science in Business/Marketing from [Elon University](/org/elon-university).

and Kayla Cowart - Marine Logistics Coordinator reports to Robyn Snyder. Their manager is James Teague, Vice President of Marine Operations.

Robyn Snyder

Kayla Cowart

James Teague

Mr. Gregory has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since July 2014, and as the General Counsel of Vertex Refining Nevada since May 2014. Mr. Gregory is currently a Manager/Partner at Gregory & Plotkin, LLC, a law firm located in Denver, Colorado, a position he has held since November 2002. Prior to forming Gregory & Plotkin, LLC, Mr. Gregory had served as a partner and associate with various law firms in Denver, Colorado, and Detroit, Michigan since 1974. Mr. Gregory’s forty years of legal experience in the private practice of law has been focused on tax, transactional work, structuring, and finance. From 1990 to the present, Mr. Gregory has served as counsel to Global Environment Fund (“GEF”), a registered investment advisor and private equity fund management group with almost $1 billion under management with a focus on environmentally beneficial goods, services, and technologies concentrating on emerging market countries. Since 1997, Mr. Gregory has served on the Board of Directors of GEF. Mr. Gregory has served on the Board of Directors of Omega Holdings Company, LLC (“Omega”) and several of its subsidiaries including Omega Refining, LLC, Bango Refining NV, LLC, and Golden State Lubricant Works, LLC since May 2008. Omega is involved in the refining, blending, and marketing of lubricants and fuels. The Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Omega in March 2014 and consummated the initial closing thereunder in May 2014. Between April 2010 and May 2012, Mr. Gregory served as a member of the Board of Directors of Nutrinsic, Inc., a wastewater processing company.

James P. Gregory

Mr. Phillips is currently the Managing Partner of Bilateral Initiatives LLP, an international business-to-business consulting firm specializing in providing key strategic expansion and corporate growth advice to the chairman and chief executive level members of various firms. Mr. Phillips is also Managing Partner of Phillips International Law Group PLLC, a worldwide recognized international law firm specializing in mergers, acquisitions, project development, and EPC construction work with a focus on the international energy landscape in the oil, gas, chemical, and power downstream sector and the alternative energy industry. Mr. Phillips’ clients include worldwide energy companies, including several Middle East National Oil Companies. Prior to his founding of Bilateral Initiatives LLP and the Phillips International Law Group, Mr. Phillips was a Partner at the law firm of Jackson Walker LLP from May 2002 until May 2008 and chaired several of the firm’s practice areas over that period. Prior to working at Jackson Walker LLP, from May 1995 to May 2002, Mr. Phillips served as a chief executive officer of KeySpan Energy Corporation, a $14 billion public energy conglomerate based in New York City, and as a member of the board of directors of certain KeySpan subsidiaries. From June 1991 to May 1995, Mr. Phillips served as chief executive officer in [Equitable](/org/equitable) Resources, Inc. a $6 billion public gas utility holding company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and as a member of the board of directors of certain [Equitable](/org/equitable) subsidiaries.

David L. Phillips

Mr. Rhame brings more than 40 years of refining and petrochemical management experience, most recently having served as Vice President and General Manager for Motiva Chemical, where he led the integration of the chemicals business into Motiva Enterprises. Mr. Rhame spent nearly ten years with [Flint Hills Resources](/org/flint-hills-resources), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Koch Industries, where he served in various senior leadership positions, including Vice President of Olefins and Polymers. Prior to Flint Hills, Mr. Rhame worked with Shell for more than 23 years, where he was involved in several roles supporting its downstream operations, including Production Manager of the Port Arthur Motiva Refinery, the largest producer of fuels and base oils in the United States. Mr. Rhame also provided managerial support to Shell during their ownership of the Mobile refinery, which was acquired by Vertex in April 2022.

James Rhame

Mr. Harvey served as a Vice President of Oil Trading at Westport Petroleum, Inc. (“Westport”), which operates in the petroleum trading, blending, and transportation industries, from November 1987 to June 2012, during which time he specialized in Black Oil trading. From May 1986 to October 1987, Mr. Harvey served in an oil trading position with Shell International, providing services in throughput trading and sourcing. From May 1984 to May 1986, Mr. Harvey served as a supply trading analyst with Shell Oil Company. From June 1980 to May 1984, Mr. Harvey served as a logistics analyst with Shell Chemical Company. Mr. Harvey obtained his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in Business Marketing and Transportation in 1980.

Timothy C. Harvey

Mr. Borgen currently serves as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of U.S. Development Group LLC (“USD”), where he has worked since May of 1995. In his current role, Mr. Borgen guides all senior aspects of USD’s corporate activities. USD is comprised of wholly owned subsidiaries that focus on industrial development, logistics, product terminaling, power corridors, financial services, and gasification. In addition to his work with USD, Mr. Borgen has served as President of U.S. Right-of-Way Corporation since June 1993. Prior to this, Mr. Borgen worked for 11 years as an investment banker serving as Merger & Acquisition Director, Portfolio Manager, and as a member of the Executive Committee for strategic planning and development. His activities were focused on manufacturing, food service, oil and gas exploration/production, telecommunications, banking, and Western European finance. In his capacity as an investment banker, Mr. Borgen served as Vice President of The Oxford Group from July 1990 to June 1993, Vice President/Principal of The Paramount Companies from July 1985 to April 1990, and Manager – Investor Relations of Invoil Inc. from April 1982 to June 1985.

Dan Borgen

Mr. Stratton’s finance and risk management expertise includes 18 years of energy and commodity experience. This experience includes industry and consulting experience with global financial institutions, investment banks, utilities, producers, and end users. Mr. Stratton was instrumental in designing and implementing key financial, regulatory, and risk management systems and processes for Citi’s initial foray into energy trading. While in consulting, Mr. Stratton served as project leader on multiple engagements that focused on the assessment and design of risk management frameworks for large- and mid-market energy companies. Assessments focused on market, credit, and operational risks embedded within natural and traded positions, including asset management, fuels procurement, wholesale trading and marketing, and risk management. Mr. Stratton’s experience focused on evaluating key elements of the risk management structure, including identification and prioritization of risk components, risk measurement and valuation, limit structures, organizational design and reporting, and risk management policies and procedures. A recognized expert in developing energy-related middle- and back-office risk processes, including risk management and derivative accounting systems, Mr. Stratton combines unique training and experience to offer creative solutions to clients. Possessing deep technical knowledge of finance, derivative accounting, valuation, and risk management processes often allows Mr. Stratton to create and implement novel solutions to complex financial issues. Mr. Stratton received his BBA from [Baylor University](/org/baylor-university) in 1991 and his MBA degree from [Rice University](/org/rice-university) in 1998. Mr. Stratton serves on the [Rice University](/org/rice-university) Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management Partner’s Executive Board and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Texas.

Chris Stratton

Ms. Snedegar joined [Vertex Energy](/org/vertex-energy) in 2014 and offers 20 years of business expertise in leadership and executive management, with 18 years of special focus in the petroleum industry, the procurement and sales of off-specification petroleum hydrocarbons, distillate fuels, non-hazardous chemicals, and transformer oils. Prior to joining [Vertex Energy](/org/vertex-energy), she was Vice President of Sales and Marketing at [Heartland](/org/heartland) Petroleum, LLC where she was responsible for all sales and procurement efforts for [Heartland](/org/heartland)’s used oil & street collection division across the mid-western US. Ms. Snedegar has successfully built and owned several businesses over her 20 years — most notably, she was the Co-founder, owner, and Vice President of [Heartland](/org/heartland) Refinery Group, LLC, which was the United States' third successfully built GR II+ base oil re-refinery, now a division of [Vertex Energy](/org/vertex-energy), Inc. Currently, Ms. Snedegar oversees the sales and marketing of [Vertex Energy](/org/vertex-energy)’s Group II+ base oil division. In addition, Ms. Snedegar directly manages the GR III base oil division (Penthol relationship), overseeing all sales, marketing, distribution, accounting, and logistics efforts across North America. Ms. Snedegar is also responsible for intermediate by-product stream sales at [Vertex Energy](/org/vertex-energy)’s refinery. Ms. Snedegar earned her Bachelor’s degree from the [University of Toledo](/org/university-of-toledo), in Toledo Ohio.

Erica Snedegar

Mr. Ruiz joined [Vertex Energy](/org/vertex-energy) in September 2013. During his tenure with the Company, he has been responsible for identifying, developing, and executing both strategic commercial and market opportunities, including the execution of the Mobile refinery acquisition in early 2022. Mr. Ruiz's main focus at Vertex has been working with the leadership team to identify, develop and execute strategic commercial and market opportunities, including strategic acquisitions in support of the company's vision, mission, and tactical growth strategy. Mr. Ruiz also has an active role in managing the relationships with investors and the banking community. Prior to Vertex, Mr. Ruiz held numerous senior management positions throughout his 20 years of experience in the equipment manufacturing, telecom, energy, automotive and environmental services industry sectors. Mr. Ruiz has a solid international background in Europe and Latin America and his leadership positions have included marketing, finance, business development, operations, sales, and project management. Mr. Ruiz received a degree in Electric and Electronic Engineering from the Valladolid Polytechnic, Spain, in 1993 and holds an Executive MBA from [IE Business School](/org/ie-business-school) and a Masters in Marketing and Sales from ESIC Business School.

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