Chuck Hassebrook is the Director of the Biochar Policy Project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology. He played a leading role in the introduction of the Biochar Research Network Act and advancement of federal appropriations for biochar research. 

Chuck also works in Renewable Energy Development with Sandhills Energy. He previously served 36 years with the Center for Rural Affairs of Lyons, NE, including 17 years as executive director.  Under his leadership, the Center was instrumental in passage of state and federal rural development, family farm and conservation legislation. It also ran the nation’s leading rural microenterprise development program. 

Chuck served 18 years on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, serving 18 years, including two terms as chair. He is a native of Platte Center, Nebraska, where his family has farmed for over a century.  He now lives in Lincoln with his wife Kate. 

Melissa Littrell is the Director of Organics and Sustainability at Uribe Refuse Services, leading efforts to advance sustainable waste solutions in Lincoln, NE, and surrounding communities. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Nebraska Recycling Council, holds a Master’s degree in Biological Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island, and is a Harvard Business School CORe graduate.

Melissa combines environmental science expertise with practical leadership to drive impactful sustainability initiatives. Her work includes providing recycling education, developing custom waste solutions for local businesses, and helping launch Lincoln’s first curbside compost program. 

Treaven Scheideler is a graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a major in
Mechanized Systems Management and the founder of Sandhills Biochar, a startup focused on
converting invasive eastern red cedar trees into biochar products that can support agriculture,
soil health, and wildfire mitigation efforts. Raised on a farm near Scotia, Nebraska. Treaven
combines an agricultural background with a passion for entrepreneurship, land stewardship, and practical innovation.

A Western Nebraska farm family using pyrolysis technology to convert agricultural byproducts into biochar, bio-oil, and renewable electricity. Our work captures carbon, improves soil health, and supports regenerative agriculture through innovative biomass utilization.

Brian Armstrong has 30+ years as a commercial ag producer. He manages 28k acres. His expertise is in large-scale farm management and infrastructure deployment. He serves on the boards of Western Sugar Co-Op, South Platte School District, and Big Springs Fire Department.

Allison Armstrong has 20+ years in legal and business planning as a paralegal. She manages legal and business affairs for Armstrong family farm ops. She serves on the boards of Big Springs Community Foundation, Keith County Chamber of Commerce, and Economic Development Committee for Big Springs, NE

Ricky Barton is an ag entrepreneur across carbon, oil/gas and economic development markets. He has hands-on experience in carbon engineering, quantification, and commercialization. He holds patents in biochar-related technologies focused on soil nutrient retention and remediation.

Midwest Soilogix is a Nebraska-based compost producer located in Platte Center, transforming organic materials into high-quality compost products that support healthy soils and sustainable agriculture. The company is committed to recycling organic resources into valuable soil amendments that benefit farmers, landscapers, and communities.