Mel R. Kurtz

President & Founder

Mel R Kurtz has successfully founded, directed, and operated a diverse range of businesses, spanning from innovative start-ups to enterprises generating multi-million dollar annual sales. His expertise lies in transforming business development strategies, utilizing cutting-edge sales and marketing techniques, and pioneering efficient business operations that drive growth and sustainability. As a recognized industry leader, he is celebrated for his extensive experience in the biogas sector and for his visionary contributions to advancing the anaerobic digestion market across the United States.

Steven Smith

Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice-President of Development

Steve plays a central role in shaping the company’s financial strategy, capital structure, and long-term growth. With more than 40 years of experience across finance, operations, and project development, he leads financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, risk management, and compliance, while working closely with executive leadership to drive disciplined, scalable growth. Steve works extensively with banks, investors, and strategic capital partners to structure and secure financing that supports expansion and value creation, and in his development, role leads acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and joint ventures from early-stage diligence through execution. He is actively involved in advancing research and development initiatives, including grant-funded and pilot-scale programs, and regularly collaborates with the DOE, U.S., USDA, major universities, and Fortune 100 companies to support innovation, commercialization, and large-scale project deployment, bringing a pragmatic, results-oriented approach that bridges finance, development, and strategy.

 

Mark Suchan

Chief Operating Officer

Mark Suchan has been a cornerstone of quasar’s foundation and growth for nearly two decades. Throughout his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in building the company’s operational capabilities and fostering the culture of accountability, collaboration, and execution that defines quasar today. As Chief Operating Officer, Mark oversees all core operational functions across the platform, including project execution, facility operations, feedstock logistics, and overall operational strategy. He brings deep technical and operational expertise in anaerobic digestion and organics management, coupled with a practical, hands-on leadership style. Mark’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding quasar’s materials-management platform and strengthening long-term partnerships with municipalities, waste generators, agricultural partners, and industrial clients. His steady guidance and commitment to quasar’s mission continue to drive scalable growth and operational excellence. 

Dr. Xumeng Ge

Chief Technology Officer, Research Facility Director

Dr. Ge joined quasar ad 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 tehnical issues related to anaerobic digestion.  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.

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 this bachelor’s degree in project management, followed by a master of business administration from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Clint Pemberton

Area Business Manager

Clint has over 12 years at quasar and more than 15 years in Agriculture, holding a degree in Agricultural Systems Management from Texas A&M. Clint drives business development and optimizes plant operations. He collaborates with senior management to address biological and operational challenges, ensuring top-tier performance. His expertise and strategic vision make him an invaluable asset in the industry.

Kyle Isler

Equate Manager

Kyle Isler joined quasar in 2021 and leads effluent management, farmer relations, regulatory compliance, and on-farm fertilizer operations. Under his guidance, the beneficial reuse program now spans over 30,000 acres in Ohio. Known for operational expertise, strategic problem-solving, and building lasting partnerships with landowners and producers, Kyle earned a Master’s in Mathematics Education from The Ohio State University in 2011.

John Roach

Continuous Improvement Leader

John brings decades of leadership experience in manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution environments, along with over 15 years applying Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous-improvement tools to elevate productivity, safety, and quality. His background includes leading kaizen events, value-stream mapping, workflow optimization, and project management across multiple industries.