Meet Our Industry Advancement Team
Mel R Kurtz - President & Founder
Mel founded, directed, and operated businesses from start-ups to multi-million annual sales through transforming business development, creative sales and marketing techniques, and pioneering business operations. Recognized industry Leader for his experience in the biogas industry and visionary role in the US anaerobic digestion market.
Steven Smith - Vice President & CFO
Steve has more than 30 years of financial and operational experience. He was formerly VP of Finance for Next Media Operating Co., a $750 mil. holding company for aggregation of out-of- home media. Smith is responsible for operational financing, client financing, negotiations of primary and ancillary sales and other securing financial options.
Deborah Elias - Executive Director
Debbie has been part of quasar since its inception. Working along side Mel Kurtz for 30+ years she has contributed with innovation, IT skills, Finance and Accounting contributions. She is key in making this organization sound in communication and outside collaboration. Deb also plans, coordinates and executes all supply chain procurement at quasar.
Dr. Xumeng Ge - Chief Technology Officer, Research Facility Director
Dr. Ge joined quasar as Laboratory Director in October 2016. He manages the daily operations of quasar’s state-of-the-art laboratory, and coordinates research and development to improve the performance of digesters and addresses technical issues related to anaerobic digestion. Dr. Ge also oversees operational and financial performance of quasar’s plants. Dr. Ge has a Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering and a Bachelor in Applied Chemistry.
Dr. Yebo Li - Chief Innovation and Science Officer
Dr. Li has a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering and a BS in Mechanical Engineering with 30+ years of experience in bioenergy and biomaterial production. He is mainly responsible for developing research projects.
Mark Suchan - Director of Biomass
Mark has been with quasar for over 17 years. With a degree from Ohio Northern University in Management and Accounting, he serves as Director of Biomass. Mark plans, coordinates and executes all biomass material processing at quasar. He has held numerous other management roles at quasar including project development, laboratory, operations, and transportation.
Jim Elias - Project Engineer
Jim has over 35 years in wastewater industry and 24 years in Anerobic Digestion Process. Jim has an EPA Wastewater III license, with a BSEET, he specializes in design-build, power generation, biogas and process control systems for quasar projects.
Rick Lockhart - Project & Logistics Manager
Rick began with quasar working in Logistics to create a new operating system that generated profitability in fleet management. He has been an integral part of the Transportation for Hire Program and the quasar Fleet system. Currently as the Construction Project Manager, he has installed and upgraded well over 20 tank systems.
Scott Nally - Director Environmental Services
Directly responsible for the oversite of all environmental regulatory activities at quasar Energy Group and their affiliates. This includes ensuring compliance with all environmental permits, submittal of all required reporting and compliance with all other regulatory requirements. Additionally, this includes the direct supervision of all external and internal staff associated with regulatory affairs.
Matthew Willey - Project Manager
Matthew joined quasar in 2013. His contribution in managing tank systems is through quasar Remote Monitoring. This has contributed to make systems operate at a higher, safer and more efficient level. This has also helped in training site operators to make an easier transition. In 2021, he earned his bachelor's degree in project management, followed by a master of business administration from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Roger Sowinski - Technical Consultant
Former owner and Vice President of Technology of Asterion LLC, a manufacturer and developer of electro-plating additive Chemistries. Roger serves as consultant to Quasar Energy Group. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, a Masters Degree in Organic Synthesis and a Masters Degree in Business Administration.