Joe Ward

Executive Director at Distillers Technology Council

Speaker

The Board of Directors has named Dr. Joseph W. Ward as the Executive Director of the Distillers Technology Council effective January 1^st, 2024. Dr. Ward has served the DTC as a member of the Board of Directors for many years and has provided significant contributions to the DTC and industry. Dr. Ward plans to build upon the momentum which the DTC, its board members, and partner organizations have continued to drive for our industry. The DTC under Dr. Ward’s leadership is excited by the opportunities, challenges, and impact which our bio-refinery and distillery industries can have on a sustainable future for food, fuel, and agriculture. Leading in the organization of the 2023 DTC symposium and working with other industry organizations such as ASTM and US Grains Council to push the industry forward, Dr. Ward is in a great place to hit the ground running!

Dr. Ward was born and raised on a livestock farm in Indiana. Active in 4-H and FFA throughout his informative years. He attended Purdue University earning a BS in Animal Science and MS in Ruminant Nutrition. He also earned a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University in Ruminant Nutrition. As an animal nutritionist, Dr. Ward has consulted, published, and lectured in Europe, the Far East, Australia, and South Africa. He has served on several executive boards of directors including the Distillers Technology Council. He has been active in animal production agriculture, manufacturing, and processing since the early 90’s. Dr. Ward’s has been involved in research activities that promote holistic animal health and improved production practices using bio-functional ingredients and co-products arising from the ethanol and bio-refinery industry. Working at the forefront of the diversification of co-products, he has worked closely with bioprocessing facilities on manufacturing, quality testing, and market development for these ingredients. Most recently, he was Senior Nutritionist for Fluid Quip Technologies in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.