National Cooperative Refinery Association

"Jay Debertin is executive vice president and chief operating officer, Processing, for CHS, a diversified energy, grains and foods company based in St. Paul, Minn. Debertin joined CHS in 1984 in its petroleum division and held a variety of positions in its energy marketing operations. He was named vice president, Crude Oil Supply, in 1998 working from the company’s Denver, Colo., office. In 2001, he returned to St. Paul, Minn., with responsibilities including raw material supply, refining, pipelines and terminals, trading and risk management, and transportation. Debertin was named to his current position in 2005 and is responsible for the company’s oilseed processing operations, as well as its joint venture relationships in wheat milling through Horizon Milling, LLC, and vegetable oil-based foods through Ventura Foods, LLC. He also is responsible for CHS strategic direction in renewable fuels. Debertin also serves on the boards of directors of the National Cooperative Refinery Association, Horizon Milling and Ventura Foods, LLC. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of North Dakota and a Master’s of Business Administration degree from The University of Wisconsin – Madison."

"John Schmitz, executive vice president and chief financial officer, is responsible for finance, accounting, legal, and risk management. He joined Harvest States in 1974 and has held a number of accounting and finance positions within the company, including divisional controller positions in country services, farm marketing & supply and grain marketing. In 1986, he was named vice president and controller of Harvest States, and served in that position up to the time of the merger with Cenex. In May 1999, Schmitz was named Chief Financial Officer for CHS. Schmitz earned a bachelor of science degree in Accounting from St. Cloud State University, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Minnesota Society of CPA's and the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives. He serves on the boards of directors of the National Cooperative Refinery Association and Cofina Financial, LLC."

"Leon Westbrock, CHS executive vice president and chief operating officer of Energy, is responsible for refineries, pipelines, refined fuels sales, marketing and distribution, lubricants and propane. He joined the cooperative system in 1976 and managed three local cooperatives before joining the regional system. At the regional level, Leon served in the Cenex Merchandising Department, later as Manager of the Lubricants Department and as Director of Retailing. Since January 1, 1987, he served as Vice President and Executive Vice President in the Petroleum Division of Cenex and CHS. On January 1, 2000, Leon assumed additional responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Inputs of CHS. Westbrock was born and raised on his family's 640-acre small grain and dairy farm near Browns Valley, Minn. -- where he learned the value of cooperatives to the member-owner. He received a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University, which has recognized him with an outstanding alumni award, and served a tour in the U.S. Army. Westbrock serves on the board of the National Cooperative Refinery Association. He also serves as vice chairman for Inver Grove Heights High School, BEST Foundation and serves on the Commercial Development Task Force for Inver Grove Heights, Minn. "