Our Team
Unparalleled expertise in agriculture and renewable fuels feedstock development and production
Faisal Syed, Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Faisal Syed joins VBO from Shell where he spent the last 20 years serving in a variety of leadership roles spanning commercial, M&A, JV management, strategy and new business development across various Shell businesses including Chemicals, Midstream and Low Carbon Solutions in U.S. and Europe. Until recently, Faisal led the development, investment and deployment of Shell’s biofuel (HEFA/HVO) portfolio in North America and responsible for the value delivery for the E2E value chain. Prior to joining Shell, he worked for 3M Company and held a senior leadership position in a petrochemicals consulting firm.
He holds a BS from the University of Minnesota, and a PhD in chemical engineering and a MBA from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He has also served as VBO Chairperson prior to the CEO role.
Jeff Klingenberg, Vice President for R&D
Dr. Jeff Klingenberg grew up on the family farm east of Yuma, Arizona. He has over 30 years of experience in plant breeding, technology, and product development including leading research teams at commercial seed companies for global markets. Before joining VISION Bioenergy Oilseeds, Jeff led the stevia breeding program and validated new crop opportunities at S&W Seed Company. He has experience managing breeding programs for several crop species including cereal grains, perennial grasses, and cotton.
Jeff has held senior and executive manager positions at startup organizations in the renewable energy crops industry and has led the development of cellulosic and oilseed crops including miscanthus, energy cane, carinata, and camelina. Jeff holds a BS from the University of Arizona, MS from New Mexico State, and a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Scott Ice, Director of Finance
Scott Ice has 25 years in Finance and Accounting across multiple industries with a focus on the agriculture as well as experience in financial services and manufacturing. Scott has performed in a variety of roles encompassing corporate financial planning and analysis, operational finance, strategic planning, and various accounting competencies under public, private, and private equity ownership.
Prior to joining VISION Bioenergy Oilseeds, Scott held positions at Nutrien, Pinnacle Agriculture, and Novus Ag. Scott holds an MBA from Virginia Tech, Finance and Accounting degrees from Cedarville University, and Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
Brad Chambers, General Manager
Brad Chambers has been in the seed industry for over 25 years. Before joining VISION Bioenergy Oilseeds, Brad led the S&W Seed Company production efforts in Nampa, ID, where he oversaw seed production and plant operations.
Brad began his career as a research assistant with Dekalb Genetics before moving into supply chain roles at Pioneer Hi-Bred International. His technical expertise spans the production of multiple crops including grain sorghum, alfalfa, corn, wheat, canola, and camelina. Brad has a BS from Texas Tech University, is a Certified Crop Advisor, and is certified in Lean Manufacturing and Process Improvement. He stays involved in regional agricultural associations and is a current board member of the Idaho Crop Improvement Association.
Stuart Smith, Field Operations Manager
Stuart Smith has over 15 years of experience working in the agricultural industry. He began his career with the USDA-ARS during college, followed by roles at Pioneer Hi-Bred and S&W Seed Company before joining VISION Bioenergy Oilseeds. Throughout his career, Stuart has worked in multiple positions and developed expertise in many different seed crops including camelina, alfalfa seed, corn, sorghum, wheat, peas, and lentils.
Stuart grew up on a family-owned and operated row crop farm in the Treasure Valley of Idaho and holds a BS in Agricultural Science and Technology from the University of Idaho.
Nampa Research &
Development Station
4819 E Lewis Lane
Nampa, ID 83686
© VISION Bioenergy Oilseeds