FUELIowa Announces New Leadership for its 2021 Board of Directors, Renews Strong Representation for the Fuel Industry Across the State

FUELIowa, the voice of Iowa’s fuel industry and state association of fuel distributors and convenience store retailers, announced its new Board of Directors and officers following its January meeting. Doug Coziahr was elected as Chair of the board, while Bev Jessen was elected as Vice Chair and Joe Zietlow as treasurer. The announcement of FUELIowa’s leadership comes at a critical time for the industry as the organization prepares for a successful legislative session amid the ongoing pandemic.

“I’m honored to lead FUELIowa’s Board of Directors into the new year and look forward to hitting the ground running to advocate for our industry’s priorities in every corner of the state,” said Doug Coziahr, Branded and Unbranded Sales Manager for Nebraska Iowa Supply Company and Chair of the Board. “Our leadership has come together at a critical time for the economy and moving forward our members will play an even more important role. I look forward to working with our board to advance the needs of our essential workforce that is keeping Iowa’s economy moving.”

"As the owners of Johnson Oil & Cylinder Express, my husband and I have been FUELIowa members since 1947 – we can testify first-hand that membership is an asset to independent and family-owned businesses like ours. I’m proud to take a larger role in supporting FUELIowa members by serving as Vice Chair,” stated Bev Jessen, co-owner of Johnson Oil Company and Vice Chair of the Board. “As vice chair, I want to make sure all members are aware of the many business services available to them and to serve as a resource for any questions they have or help they may need."

Elections were recently held for six active seats and one associate seat in the 2021 calendar year. FUELIowa’s Board of Directors voted on the new officers at the January meeting.

The following individuals were elected to the board: Tia Eischeid (Al's Corner Oil - Carroll), Jim Pauk (W&H Coop Oil Co - Humboldt), Matthew Sheetz (The Depot Express - Tiffin), Douglas Coziahr (Nebraska-Iowa Supply - Omaha), Tessa Fahey (Rainbo Oil - Dubuque), and Nicole Johnson (Molo Companies - Peosta). Chris Biellier (Seneca Companies - Davenport) was elected to fill the Associate seat.

FUELIowa’s leadership faced a number of unprecedented challenges over the past year and has worked diligently to keep its membership supported as essential workers. Scott Cornish, President and COO of Petroleum Services Company, retired as Chair after serving on the Board of Directors since 2017. Cornish reflected on the resiliency that FUELIowa has demonstrated, particularly over the past year.

“My proudest accomplishment was facing the challenges that 2020 brought to our association, including onboarding a new CEO, hiring a new lobbyist, responding to COVID-19, and continuing the financial stability of our association,” said Cornish. “FUELIowa came through these challenges very well, and I truly believe we are in a good position - poised for great things to come.”

John Long, who has served on the board since 2014, is also retiring from the board. Long has been the Vice President of Operations for Dyno Oil and has worked with the company for 28 years. Long spoke of the comradery shared with other board members:

“As a member on the board, I enjoyed my seven years of making team decisions that impacted FUELIowa,” added Long, who highlighted his work with Bev Jessen, who joined the board the same time he did. “Bev’s support through thick and thin does not go unnoticed. Thanks for all of the support during my journey in the petroleum field.”

Jason McDermott, a seasoned member of FUELIowa’s Board of Directors, will now become Immediate Past Chair. The President of McDermott Oil Company, McDermott reflected on FUELIowa’s accomplishments over the last several years and its opportunities moving forward.

“2021 marks a unique opportunity for FUELIowa to build on its recent successes and drive a renewed conversation with state leaders to enhance the fuel marketplace in our state,” stated McDermott. “Modernizing Iowa’s fuel distribution and retail infrastructure represents a major policy goal for FUELIowa and our industry has a great story to tell. I look forward to the leadership from this board in the upcoming 2021 legislative session and beyond.”

The new board of directors will help advance the strategic plan for FUELIowa and guide the association's advocacy, communication, and educational efforts on behalf of its membership.

“I am fortunate for the opportunity to once again work alongside a strong slate of leaders from our industry and to help advance the needs of our members each and every day,” added Ronald Langston, President and CEO of FUELIowa.