The Board of Directors has named Dr. Joseph W. Ward as the Executive Director of the Distillers Grains Technology Council effective January 1st, 2024. Dr. Ward has served the DGTC as a member of the Board of Directors for many years and has provided significant contributions to the DGTC and industry. Dr. Ward plans to build upon the momentum which the DGTC, its board members, and partner organizations have continued to drive for our industry. The DGTC under Dr. Ward’s leadership is excited by the opportunities, challenges, and impact which our bio-refinery and distillery industries can have on a sustainable future for food, fuel, and agriculture. Leading in the organization of the 2023 DGTC symposium and working with other industry organizations such as ASTM and US Grains Council to push the industry forward, Dr. Ward is in a great place to hit the ground running!
Dr. Ward was born and raised on a livestock farm in Indiana. Active in 4-H and FFA throughout his informative years. He attended Purdue University earning a BS in Animal Science and MS in Ruminant Nutrition. He also earned a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University in Ruminant Nutrition. As an animal nutritionist, Dr. Ward has consulted, published, and lectured in Europe, the Far East, Australia, and South Africa. He has served on several executive boards of directors including the Distillers Grains Technology Council. He has been active in animal production agriculture, manufacturing, and processing since the early 90’s. Dr. Ward’s has been involved in research activities that promote holistic animal health and improved production practices using bio-functional ingredients and co-products arising from the ethanol and bio-refinery industry. Working at the forefront of the diversification of co-products, he has worked closely with bioprocessing facilities on manufacturing, quality testing, and market development for these ingredients. Most recently, he was Senior Nutritionist for Fluid Quip Technologies in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The DGTC is proud to have served our industry partners over the last 80 years and is excited for the next chapter of the DGTC, continuing to educate and advocate on the benefits of distillers products and continued diversification of these products to include animal food and renewable energy feedstocks. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly at info@distillersgrains.org.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors, Distillers Grains Technology Council
From Dr. Joseph W. Ward, Executive Director, Distillers Grains Technology Council
“What an exciting time for the distilled spirits, ethanol, and biorefinery industries. It is indeed an honor to serve as the new Executive Director for the DGTC. With 2024 starting a new year, we have a great opportunity to connect people, companies, and technologies across varied platforms. As we move forward in this very creative and innovative space, it is my hope that the DGTC will serve as the industries’ “go to” organization for connecting the distilled spirits, ethanol, and biorefinery industries. Please feel free to reach out to me if there is anything you would like to discuss. I am excited to start working with the DGTC members and Board of Directors towards building an even better and brighter future for the DGTC and the industries and consumers it supports.”
Sincerely,
Joseph W. Ward, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Distillers Grains Technology Council
joe.ward@distillersgrains.org