American Coalition for Ethanol Hired Chief Marketing Officer

The Sioux Falls-based organization appointed Ben Rhodes to lead its marketing expansion efforts.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People

American Coalition for Ethanol Hired Chief Marketing Officer

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The American Coalition for Ethanol has hired Ben Rhodes as its new chief marketing officer. He transitions to the role to help bolster fuel marketing initiatives as the organization targets expanded access to E15 markets.

Why it matters

The organization is scaling its marketing department to increase sales of ethanol-blended fuel. By appointing Rhodes, the group aims to better reach fuel wholesalers and retailers during a period of expected market growth.

Ben Rhodes brings four years of experience from the Nebraska Ethanol Board to his new role. Ron Lamberty, who will now serve as chief strategy officer, has been with the organization for 26 years.

The players

American Coalition for Ethanol

This Sioux Falls-based organization represents the interests of the ethanol industry.

Ben Rhodes

He is the new chief marketing officer who previously served as executive director of the Nebraska Ethanol Board.

Ron Lamberty

He is a long-term industry veteran who has transitioned to the role of chief strategy officer.

The details

The American Coalition for Ethanol, headquartered in Sioux Falls, added the new executive to coordinate with veteran staff on domestic and international market development. Ron Lamberty shifts to the role of chief strategy officer to facilitate this transition.

April 2025: Ben Rhodes began his tenure at the Nebraska Ethanol Board.
September 28, 2026: Ben Rhodes officially started his role as chief marketing officer.
Past 26 years: Ron Lamberty led market development for the organization.

Market Landscape

The hiring of Ben Rhodes signals a broader push by biofuels groups to capture market share from traditional petroleum retailers. This move strengthens the competitive positioning of ethanol as the industry aligns to meet the technical requirements for wider E15 distribution.

While executive changes occur internally, customers may eventually see more ethanol-blended options at local fuel retailers. This strategic pivot aims to lower the barrier for retailers to offer higher blends to daily drivers.

The takeaway

The addition of new leadership suggests the ethanol sector is prioritizing aggressive marketing to compete in the fuel retail space. Consumers should expect continued efforts to broaden the availability of higher-blend ethanol products at gas stations.