Randy Gard Takes Chair Position at NATSO's Government Affairs Committee to Drive Fuel Policy Changes
In an important move for the truck stop and travel center industry, NATSO has appointed Randy Gard as the new Chair of its Government Affairs Committee. Gard, who also serves as Chief Operations Officer at Bosselman Enterprises based in Grand Island, Nebraska, is set to lead a group of industry experts in navigating critical legislative and regulatory challenges facing fuel retailers.
NATSO, established over sixty years ago, represents a sizable portion of America's travel plazas and truck stops, advocating for their interests at both the federal and state levels. The Government Affairs Committee plays a pivotal role in assessing the impact of legislation, regulatory measures, and evolving policy trends on the fuel retailing sector. In February, the committee convened to outline its key priorities for 2026, emphasizing a strategic review of biofuel and alternative energy policy initiatives.
Gard has expressed his commitment to evaluating these policies through the lens of consumer benefit. During his announcement, he noted, "Biofuel and other alternative fuel policies only work if they lower costs for consumers." The challenges ahead include navigating the newly proposed 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit and advocating for year-round availability of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol. These considerations are rooted in the industry’s goal to ensure affordable and accessible fuel options for consumers while also promoting sustainability.
As part of NATSO's continued efforts to influence fuel-related policies positively, Gard is keen on involving committee members in shaping strategies that benefit both retailers and consumers. Starting from his early career at Eaton Corporation, where he worked in the Automotive Components Group, Gard has accrued extensive experience that aligns well with the demands of this influential position. His past roles, including Director of Operations at Hornady Manufacturing and Vice President of Global Planning at Vermeer Manufacturing, attest to his leadership capabilities.
Furthermore, Gard’s tenure at Chief Automotive Technologies, which was a part of Dover Corporation, further solidifies his qualifications to lead this initiative. His insights into the complexities of high-level policy issues affecting fuel will be invaluable for the committee and, by extension, the entire industry.
NATSO's President and CEO Max McBrayer welcomed Gard's appointment, emphasizing his active engagement and experience within NATSO. He reiterated the committee's goal of supporting the industry as it navigates public policy challenges, stating, "Randy is a highly engaged NATSO member with a keen insight into the real-world implications of high-level policy issues affecting fuel."
In addition to his role at NATSO, Gard is actively involved in the Nebraska Ethanol Board and previously served on the American Coalition for Ethanol's Board. His diverse background in operations and passion for alternative energy solutions align with Bosselman Enterprises' commitment to expanding fuel supply options and promoting consumer choice, marking them as one of the industry’s leaders in adopting biofuels, biodiesel, and electric vehicle charging stations.
As Gard embarks on this new role, the road ahead involves collaboration with various industry stakeholders. The diverse representation on NATSO's Government Affairs Committee includes executives from notable companies like Sheetz, Pilot Company, and Travel Centers of America, signifying a unified front to tackle ongoing challenges in the fuel market.
In conclusion, Randy Gard’s leadership is set to usher in a phase of proactive policy advocacy that addresses industry concerns while elevating consumer interests. His focus on the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of fuel alternatives will resonate with both fuel retailers and drivers alike, aligning with NATSO's overarching mission to enhance the business environment for its members and the customer experience.
NATSO, established over sixty years ago, represents a sizable portion of America's travel plazas and truck stops, advocating for their interests at both the federal and state levels. The Government Affairs Committee plays a pivotal role in assessing the impact of legislation, regulatory measures, and evolving policy trends on the fuel retailing sector. In February, the committee convened to outline its key priorities for 2026, emphasizing a strategic review of biofuel and alternative energy policy initiatives.
Gard has expressed his commitment to evaluating these policies through the lens of consumer benefit. During his announcement, he noted, "Biofuel and other alternative fuel policies only work if they lower costs for consumers." The challenges ahead include navigating the newly proposed 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit and advocating for year-round availability of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol. These considerations are rooted in the industry’s goal to ensure affordable and accessible fuel options for consumers while also promoting sustainability.
As part of NATSO's continued efforts to influence fuel-related policies positively, Gard is keen on involving committee members in shaping strategies that benefit both retailers and consumers. Starting from his early career at Eaton Corporation, where he worked in the Automotive Components Group, Gard has accrued extensive experience that aligns well with the demands of this influential position. His past roles, including Director of Operations at Hornady Manufacturing and Vice President of Global Planning at Vermeer Manufacturing, attest to his leadership capabilities.
Furthermore, Gard’s tenure at Chief Automotive Technologies, which was a part of Dover Corporation, further solidifies his qualifications to lead this initiative. His insights into the complexities of high-level policy issues affecting fuel will be invaluable for the committee and, by extension, the entire industry.
NATSO's President and CEO Max McBrayer welcomed Gard's appointment, emphasizing his active engagement and experience within NATSO. He reiterated the committee's goal of supporting the industry as it navigates public policy challenges, stating, "Randy is a highly engaged NATSO member with a keen insight into the real-world implications of high-level policy issues affecting fuel."
In addition to his role at NATSO, Gard is actively involved in the Nebraska Ethanol Board and previously served on the American Coalition for Ethanol's Board. His diverse background in operations and passion for alternative energy solutions align with Bosselman Enterprises' commitment to expanding fuel supply options and promoting consumer choice, marking them as one of the industry’s leaders in adopting biofuels, biodiesel, and electric vehicle charging stations.
As Gard embarks on this new role, the road ahead involves collaboration with various industry stakeholders. The diverse representation on NATSO's Government Affairs Committee includes executives from notable companies like Sheetz, Pilot Company, and Travel Centers of America, signifying a unified front to tackle ongoing challenges in the fuel market.
In conclusion, Randy Gard’s leadership is set to usher in a phase of proactive policy advocacy that addresses industry concerns while elevating consumer interests. His focus on the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of fuel alternatives will resonate with both fuel retailers and drivers alike, aligning with NATSO's overarching mission to enhance the business environment for its members and the customer experience.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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