Bion Environmental engages three for commercialization effforts

Bion Environmental (BNET) has engaged three accomplished professionals to fill key positions as Bion transitions from R&D to commercialization. Josh Rapport, MS, PhD, brings over 20 years’ experience in researching, designing, building and operating anaerobic digesters for heat, power, and renewable natural gas, as well as in digestate treatment and utilization. He was VP Engineering for Brightmark, one of the largest RNG companies in the U.S. In less than four years, Brightmark launched 30 RNG projects worth over $500 million under his guidance, before he left the company in 2023 to start an independent consulting business. Prior to that, he was VP R&D for CleanWorld, where he developed novel fertilizers from digester residuals. Josh received a BA from Stanford in Biology and his MS and doctorate from UC Davis in Bio and Ag Engineering. Josh will help develop projects and serve as an Owner’s Engineer, supporting Bion’s Chief Engineer and project development. Bion is excited to tap into Josh’s vast resource base, and his experience with organic fertilizers produced from digestate. The mutual goal is to develop a long-term relationship to build Bion’s project portfolio and grow its business. Lee Frankel has worked in agriculture his entire career, specializing in strategic planning, adaptation of technology innovations, operational improvement, import and export compliance, public relations, and government relations for the food industry. Bion first engaged Lee for his experience with organic farming while we were developing our fertilizer products. He assisted with our OMRI application and Listing and worked with the trade group CERO, that Bion co-founded. Lee earned his BA in Economics from Stanford University and MA in Agricultural Economics from Stanford’s Food Research Institute. In his expanded role, Lee will pursue offtake agreements for Bion’s organic nitrogen fertilizers with growers throughout the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, and other areas where he has strong relationships. Lee will coordinate his efforts with Philo Consulting-retained by Bion to represent its products and secure offtake commitments with distributors-to boost Bion’s visibility and market reach with growers in the organic agricultural space. Mike O’Brien joined Bion several months ago as Head of Business Development and quickly proved his impact. He was recently named Bion’s Chief Marketing Officer, where he will lead marketing efforts for project development and fertilizer supply. During his career, Mike held positions of increasing responsibility in the construction industry, with a focus on infrastructure projects. He recently led business development for Dutchland, LLC, a manufacturer of anaerobic digesters. He maintains a wide network in the biogas/RNG, engineering, and construction industries. Mike received a BA in Business from Penn State University. For more on Mike, visit LinkedIn. Since May, Mike has helped Bion identify several potential strategic partners, including a variety of engineering and construction firms, developers, and operators. Bion is also now evaluating dozens of biogas projects – both existing and new in industrial wastewater and animal manure – from which to supply its fertilizer products.