Bioenergy Deployment Consortium: USDA Secretary Vilsack adds industrial expertise from Bioenergy Deployment Consortium to Forest Research Advisory Council

MADISON, WI–(Marketwire – June 18, 2010) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed Dr. Masood Akhtar to the Forest Research Advisory Council (FRAC) for a three-year term. Dr. Akhtar has also been elected as the Chair of the committee starting 2011. Dr. Akhtar, President and co-founder of the Bioenergy Deployment Consortium (BDC), is a well respected energy entrepreneur with substantial research, development, commercialization, marketing, technology transfer, investment and management experience, and has been very effective in establishing partnerships between industry, federal agencies and states. “Masood Akhtar is an experienced entrepreneur in the clean energy sector. He will make a good addition to Secretary Vilsack’s Council,” said Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin. “With his industrial experiences, knowledge, and passion, he will be a valuable asset to FRAC,” said Mike Jackson, President and CEO, Verso Paper Corporation.

BDC (http://www.bioenergydc.org) is a nationally recognized organization which builds private and public institutional readiness to participate in the U.S. bio-economy with focus on deployment of developed technologies.

Tom Vilsack, the 30th Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, was nominated by President Barack Obama and received unanimous Senate support for his confirmation. He was appointed and confirmed in January, 2009. USDA provides leadership in food, agriculture, natural resources and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and effective management.

FRAC provides recommendations and advice on forestry research to the Secretary of Agriculture. FRAC consists of members appointed by the Secretary and drawn from federal, professional forestry, state, and nongovernmental organizations.