Our Team

Dr. Faisal Syed joins VISION Bioenergy Oilseeds 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 VISION Chairperson prior to the CEO role.

Dr. Jeff Klingenberg grew up on the family farm east of Yuma, Arizona. He has over 35 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 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.

Andrea McFarlane has more than 30 years of experience in human resources, with expertise spanning mergers and acquisitions, startup and high-growth environments, union and employee relations, international HR, talent acquisition, and organizational development. Her background includes automotive, oil and gas, wind energy, food processing, manufacturing, and agriculture, and she has supported multi-state operations across the U.S. as well as teams in Canada and Europe. Andrea holds an education background from Humber College in Ontario, Canada, and Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She is an active member of SHRM and Mile High SHRM.

Brad Chambers brings more than 30 years of experience in the seed industry, with a background that includes research, agronomy, seed production, supply chain management, and plant operations. His technical expertise spans the production and processing of multiple crops including grain sorghum, alfalfa, corn, wheat, canola, and camelina. Before joining VISION Bioenergy Oilseeds, Brad led agronomy efforts in Nampa, Idaho, for Pioneer Hi-Bred International and S&W Seed Company. During that time, he oversaw seed production and later transitioned into location management, where he provided leadership in plant scheduling and operations. Brad earned a B.S. from Texas Tech University, is a Certified Crop Advisor, and holds certifications in Lean Manufacturing and Process Improvement. He remains active in regional agricultural associations and currently serves on the board of the Idaho Crop Improvement Association.

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.