2027 Speakers

President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council,
Pod Caster & Author of the well selling book “Path to Zero”

Mr. Perkins is an energy expert with four decades of experience in the liquid and renewable fuels industry, a nationally recognized speaker, author, podcaster and advocate for practical approaches to reducing emissions. Since 2017, he has served as President and CEO of PERC, where he leads efforts to advance propane technology, safety, education, and innovation.

Mr. Perkins is also the author of Path to Zero: 12 Climate Conversations That Changed the World, published in 2024. The book explores the journey toward a net-zero future through conversations about energy, climate, technology, and innovation. Drawing from his Path to Zero podcast, Perkins presents a “wide path” approach that considers a range of technologies and energy solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a frequent keynote speaker, Perkins brings a unique perspective on the intersection of energy, transportation, innovation, and decarbonization.

Attendees of 2027 T&I will have the opportunity to hear his insights firsthand, learn more about the technologies and strategies shaping the future of transportation and obtain a signed copy of his acclaimed book!

Executive Director of the Transportation Energy Institute

Mr. Eichberger is Executive Director of the Transportation Energy Institute. Founded by NACS in 2013 as the Fuels Institute, the Transportation Energy Institute is a non-profit social welfare organization that publishes fact-based research designed to answer relevant market questions, not advocate for any specific outcome. Led by a diverse Board of transportation experts, the Institute is an objective and collaborative research organization that does not advocate. Its peer-reviewed reports are geared toward all industry stakeholders and, because of its non-advocacy approach, it has become the most diverse organization in the transportation sector. 

 Previously, Eichberger served more than 14 years at NACS representing the convenience and fuel retailing industry before the media and federal government. With more than 25 years of related experience, Eichberger is a recognized expert on the transportation energy market. John’s keynote address is expected to dive deep into the intersection of consumer demand, supply, prices, and regulatory shifts, offering attendees actionable strategies to prepare for the road ahead.

Jeff manages Clean Fuels’ team of professionals responsible for government affairs in all 50 states. He engages in technical analysis of issues associated with biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel while representing the interests of Clean Fuels’ members to state regulatory bodies, legislatures and non-governmental organizations. Since joining Clean Fuels in 2021, Jeff has successfully led efforts to create new programs promoting the use and production of biodiesel and renewable diesel throughout the Midwest.

Jeff comes to Clean Fuels from the Office of the Missouri Governor, where he served as legislative director. Previously, he held leadership positions with the Department of Corrections and the Office of the State Auditor. Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and mass communications from Southeast Missouri State University.

Mr. Earl is known in the transportation industry for being an expert in Biodiesel & Renewable diesel (and sustainable aviation fuel). As such, he will discuss the current state of the use of these fuels in transportation, its economic and environmental benefits, the current challenges faced in its adoption, anticipated future developments, funding opportunities and policies which effect the fuels. As an authority on the Renewable Fuel Standard and Tax & Clean Energy Policy, we are lucky to receive his insight on these key areas!

Bailey Arnold is an environmental science, public health, and sustainability professional. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environmental Studies from Illinois State University and an Associate of Arts with Honors in Architectural Construction Technology from Lincoln Land Community College, where he studied architectural design and green building practices.  Since joining the American Lung Association in 2015, Bailey has worked in a grant and project management role, focusing on the adoption of clean transportation fuels and technologies, biobased alternatives, green building practices, and radon reduction strategies.

In addition to his many aforementioned professional roles; Bailey holds several leadership positions, including Associate Board Member and Primary Delegate for Clean Fuels Alliance America and he is also active in various committees including the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Committee, Carbon Council, and the Biodiesel Working Group for the Great Lakes Alliance for Sustainable Shipping, the Ag-Auto-Ethanol Working Group, and U.S. EPA Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative. Mr. Arnold also leads education and outreach activities for the B20 Club of Illinois, B20 Club of Indiana, Biobased Academy, and the Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition. Mr. Bailey will be informing T&I attendees about the Health, Safety, Performance and Environmental Sustainability benefits of biobased product use in Fleet and Shop operations. We look forward to his insight on biobased funding opportunities & policies that may affect our industry.

Director of the Alternative Energy Division, CMD Corporation
Co-Chair on Board of Directors of Wisconsin Clean Cities

Mr. Schmoll is an industry leader in providing capital equipment and services to the Compressed Natural Gas Market. With a strong background in energy systems and innovation, Brad oversees the development and implementation of renewable energy products at CMD with an emphasis on CNG and RNG Compression systems.  His leadership is instrumental in aligning alternative energy strategies with long-term organizational goals, fostering collaboration, and promoting a cleaner energy future.

Mr. Schmoll boasts in excess of 25 years of experience in the industrial equipment industry. Before his current position, Brad served as Manager of Technical Services for CMD in both international and domestic markets. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and an associate degree in Business Management from Fox Valley Technical College. He currently serves as Executive Chair of the Wisconsin Clean Cities board of Directors.

Executive Director of Wisconsin Clean Cities

Fred is the former Mayor of the City of Ashland, Wisconsin, where he established the city as the first Eco-​Municipality in the nation. These efforts helped Mayor Schnook to ​increase funding to Ashland by ​over 350%. Fred previously served as a consultant with Foth, Inc., ​providing sustainable planning to private ​sector enterprises and municipalities across the mid-west. Fred has served as the City and Village ​Administrator in Kewaunee and Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Schnook ​also served as Wisconsin’s representative to the Great Lakes ​Commission. Mr. Schnook has lectured at universities across the mid west and numerous conferences internationally on Sustainable Planning, ​Economic Development, Eco-​Industrial Park Design and Creative Cities. Fred has a master’s ​degree in public administration from the University of Wisconsin-​Oshkosh.