Kevin Herdler’s expertise in the automotive and clean energy sectors spans over four decades, including a pivotal role in establishing the Atlanta Clean Cities program in Georgia and expanding the Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation coalition in Missouri. A St. Louis native, Herdler returned to the area in 1998, taking on the coordinator role before ascending to Executive Director in 2000.

Herdler’s career began as an automotive mechanic, with his skills further honed during his service in the United States Air Force and the Missouri Air National Guard, where he specialized in heavy equipment repair. His post-service career saw him managing extensive vehicle fleets for Rockdale County Government in Georgia and the City of Kirkwood in Missouri, where he excelled in enhancing fleet fuel efficiency. He is also an adept trainer in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), biodiesel, and first responder protocols for light and heavy-duty vehicles.

At the helm of Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation, Herdler has spearheaded numerous initiatives that align with the coalition’s mission. His strategic acquisition of grant funding has led to the installation of fuel-fired heaters in school buses, the repowering of tug boats on the Mississippi River, the addition of auxiliary power units in trucks, and the transition of gas-powered school buses to CNG models. His oversight extends to pioneering electric vehicle projects targeting public transportation and sustainability, including meal delivery and transit services for seniors, an electric vehicle rideshare program, and a neighborhood EV service providing essential connectivity.

Since 2009, under Herdler’s guidance, the coalition has displaced over 188 million gallons of gasoline and diesel with American fuels, offsetting more than 1.38 million tons of greenhouse gases.

Herdler’s commitment to clean energy solutions has garnered multiple accolades, including the Outstanding Government Leadership Award, Coordinator of the Year, induction into DOE’s Hall of Fame, and the Impact Award. He actively serves on various committees, including the East-West Gateway Council of Governments air quality steering committee, OneSTL Energy and Environment committee, and several clean fuel and renewable energy working groups, advocating tirelessly for clean air and sustainable energy solutions.

Erin O’Brien is a dedicated sustainability enthusiast who pursued a graduate certificate in sustainability to continue her academic journey at Missouri State University after earing a Bachelors of Science in Geography and Sustainability, with a focus on sustainable development. Her educational focus reflects her unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Erin has transitioned into an alumna member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, where her involvement allows her to continue her commitment to sustainability within a supportive community. She remains deeply connected to the organization and its values as an alumna.

As a Graduate Assistant (GA) working alongside Doug Neidigh, Erin is engaged in a meaningful sustainability project. She is conducting a comprehensive sustainability gap analysis for a local manufacturing company, leveraging her knowledge and expertise to drive positive change in the business sector.

Notably, Erin has earned recognition as one of the university’s Sustainability Fellows, a prestigious honor bestowed upon her as part of the 2024 cohort. This acknowledgment reflects her dedication to advancing sustainability initiatives within the academic community.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Erin finds inspiration in artistic expression, enjoying activities such as sewing and mural painting as outlets for her creativity.

As a second-year master’s student at the University of Missouri-School of Journalism studying Strategic Communication, Savannah Henderson (she/her) is a passionate communicator who values environmental and community relations work.

Before beginning her master’s, Savannah graduated Magna Cum Laude from Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied Gender Studies, Black Studies, and Sociology. Her interests in identity, social and environmental activism, and community relations have led to her research interests in intersectionality, brand activism, and diversity, equity, and inclusion concerns within public relations.

Savannah is an award-winning researcher, proud fiancee and cat mom, and pop culture aficionado. In her free time, you can find her baking, planning out her future on Pinterest, writing poetry and blogs, or binging the newest reality TV show!

Tess is a student at Missouri State University pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Global Studies and Economics.

Allis is a student at DePaul University.

Ronnie Raines is currently the Automotive Department Chair at Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Science in workforce education and development from Southern Illinois Carbondale University (SIUC) and an Associate of Science in automotive technology from Ranken Technical College. Raines is an ASE Master certified in automotive repair and an ASE Master certified in med/heavy duty trucks, with over 42 years of experience in the automotive business.

Raines serves as President of the Board of Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation. Following the loss of a friend, Raines felt compelled to take up the charge and continue his legacy as an advocate for alternative fuels. Raines’ commitment to educating the next generation about alternative fuel solutions is outstanding. He has worked with students to create biodiesel fuels from recycled grease sourced from Ranken’s cafeteria. Raines teamed up with board member Darrin Peters to bring alternative fuel education to students in the Rockwood School District. Together, they built a biodiesel trailer to demonstrate how to make biodiesel and the different types of biodiesel. Raines teaches students how to properly service EV vehicles using Ranken’s extensive fleet of EV vehicles, including a Tesla, Nissan Leaf, GM Volt, Ford Escape, Toyota Prius, and Honda EV vehicles. Leveraging a partnership with BayoTech, an energy solutions company specializing in hydrogen-based products, Raines has facilitated the development of a hydrogen plant on Ranken’s Wentzville campus. Through his efforts, he has been able to inspire and educate many students on the benefits of using renewable energy sources. Raines’ dedication to his work and expertise in his field is instrumental in helping Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation achieve its goals.

Darrin Peters is a dedicated advocate for sustainability and cleaner energy solutions. With a background as a science teacher, he brings a deep understanding of the complexities of energy and environmental issues to his work. His passion for making a difference in the energy sector has driven him to transition into roles where he can actively promote cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. Darrin’s career path led him to become a fuel consultant for the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri, where he applies his knowledge and skills to advance the adoption of biodiesel and other renewable fuels. His work in this role demonstrates his commitment to leveraging his expertise for the greater good of the environment and society.

Darrin’s dedication to advancing cleaner energy solutions extends beyond his professional endeavors. He is actively involved with the Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation Coalition, where he serves as the secretary of the board. In this capacity, he collaborates with like-minded individuals and organizations to promote the adoption of sustainable transportation technologies and reduce emissions in the St. Louis area.

Darrin believes in a multipronged approach to addressing energy and environmental challenges. He advocates for the importance of diversifying our energy sources to include renewables like biodiesel, alongside other sustainable options. His pragmatic approach acknowledges the necessity of a comprehensive strategy to effectively combat climate change and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Latonya is a dynamic professional with a passion for communication, design, and marketing. Beginning her journey with Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation as an intern in 2023, Latonya brought a fresh perspective fueled by her ongoing studies in communications at Washington University in St. Louis. Her academic pursuits equipped her with a solid foundation in understanding audience engagement, branding, and marketing strategies.

Latonya desires to deepen her understanding of local sustainability initiatives and make a positive impact within her city through the internship with Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation. She aims to leverage her skills and creativity to support Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation initiatives that contribute to a greener future.

As Latonya continues to grow both personally and professionally, she remains committed to expanding her knowledge and honing her skills in communication, design, and sustainability.

Kamden J. Maas is a driven and results-oriented professional with a strong commitment to clean energy solutions. Currently, Kamden serves as a Sales Development Manager at BayoTech, Inc., a leading hydrogen company. In this role, Ms. Maas cultivates sales pipelines, builds customer relationships, and drives brand presence in the Midwest, furthering BayoTech’s mission of providing innovative hydrogen technology.

Kamden’s expertise extends beyond sales. Her experience as a Logistics Consultant at Gayles Logistics Corporation involved optimizing supply chains, managing P&Ls, and facilitating mergers and acquisitions. This combined skillset makes Kamden a valuable asset in any business environment.

Prior to her current roles, Kamden served as a Financial and Operational Specialist at TEN Healthcare, streamlining financial processes, boosting team productivity, and maximizing revenue recovery.

Ms. Maas’s passion for clean energy extends beyond the corporate world. She is excited to leverage her position on the Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation Board to cultivate clean energy initiatives in the Midwest. Her involvement in organizations like Women in Hydrogen+ further demonstrates her commitment to a sustainable future. Additionally, Kamden actively mentors future generations of women in STEM through participation in BE WiSE (Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering).

Kamden’s leadership extends to the athletic arena, as she head-coached collegiate beach volleyball teams for two seasons. Ms. Maas led their teams to victories while fostering a positive and supportive environment for athletes.

Ms. Maas holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance (Honors Graduate) and a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (Class Speaker). Her impressive academic achievements, combined with her diverse professional experience, make Kamden J. Maas a force to be reckoned with.

Doug Neidigh works for Missouri State University (MSU) as the Sustainability Unit Manager for the Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute (OEWRI) and as Director for the Ozarks Clean Fuels Coalition (OCFC) which is hosted by OEWRI.  Doug has over 27 years of experience in environmental management, energy management, and sustainability.  He provides technical assistance and overall sustainability resources to organizations throughout the state.  Over his career, Doug has worked in private manufacturing, state and local government, consulting, healthcare, and academics and has acquired and managed numerous state and federal grant projects.  Doug is a Registered Environmental Manager (REM) with the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP), and a Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) with the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

Doug is also a founding member of the Ozarks Clean Air Alliance (OCAA) in southwest Missouri.  The OCAA works to improve air quality in the region by working with businesses, municipalities, institutions, nonprofit organizations, and the general public, to develop and implement clean air strategies.  These strategies include, but not limited to, the promotion of alternative fuels for personal and fleet vehicles, alternative transportation and commute projects, diesel emissions reductions, idle reduction technologies and practices, utility emissions reductions, overall energy conservation programs, general education and technical assistance, and community outreach.

John Truckenbrod is a seasoned leader with over six years of dedicated experience in the electric vehicle (EV) arena. His profound expertise encompasses carbon credits, government incentives, and the intricate details of EV hardware with an impressive 98% uptime record. His comprehensive understanding of the needs of cities, corporate clients, and all facets of advancing the adoption of electric vehicles makes him a valuable asset to Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation.

As the Founder and CEO of EV Energy Group, John is on a mission to drive the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Under his visionary leadership, EV Energy Group has set a remarkable goal to deploy 10,000 EV charging stations within five years, contributing significantly to the acceleration of EV adoption. With a diverse EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) solutions portfolio, John and his team are dedicated to right-sizing charging solutions for any opportunity.

In 2023, John Truckenbrod’s commitment to innovation led EV Energy Group to launch its proprietary port management network called EVXY. This forward-thinking initiative showcases John’s dedication to creating cutting-edge solutions that enhance the accessibility and efficiency of EV charging infrastructure.

John Truckenbrod’s deep knowledge of the electric vehicle industry is a cornerstone of his contribution to Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation. His insights, leadership, and relentless pursuit of advancing clean transportation align perfectly with the mission of Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation, making him an invaluable board member.

Joe Wright is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with a robust background in business administration and financial services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fontbonne University.
Currently, Joe serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Century Restoration & Construction, where he oversees operations and strategic initiatives to drive the company’s growth and success. In addition, he is the Founder and Owner of NJ Wright Financial, a position through which he provides expert financial guidance and management.

Joe is also actively involved in the EMACT, where he leverages his expertise to advocate for clean fuels and sustainable energy solutions. His focus is on reducing carbon footprints and promoting clean energy initiatives to benefit future generations.

In his past roles, Joe has demonstrated his leadership and financial acumen as a former Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, where he earned certifications in Series 6, 7, and 63. Additionally, he was a former basketball player at Michigan Technological University, showcasing his commitment and teamwork both on and off the court.

Joe’s extensive experience and dedication to both business and environmental sustainability underscore his commitment to making a positive impact in his professional and community endeavors.