Algal Biomass Organization

Mary Rosenthal is the first Executive Director for the Algal Biomass Organization. Mary’s focus is on helping the organization accelerate the development of the algal industry through increasing awareness of the benefits of algae among commercial industry, the general public and policymakers.

Rosenthal has more than 20 years experience in marketing and communications – both with large multinational corporations and entrepreneurial public relations agencies. Most recently, Mary was the director of Communications and Public Affairs for NatureWorks LLC (NatureWorks), a multi-million dollar business unit and joint venture between Cargill and Teijin of Japan. NatureWorks is the world’s largest manufacturer of bioplastics – used for packaging, fibers, and non-woven applications.

Prior to joining the NatureWorks, Rosenthal served as a vice president of Fleishman-Hillard in Minneapolis. She has also held executive positions with food industry companies including Sartori Foods and Grace Cocoa (now ADM Cocoa).

Barb Scheevel is the Administrative Assistant for the Algal Biomass Organization. With over twenty years of office management experience, her responsibilities are to assist with the various managerial and administrative tasks associated with ABO including maintaining financial, organizational and membership records and event management.

Andrew serves as general cousel for the ABO was involved in incorporating the Algal Biomass Organization and continues to serve as its general counsel. He also serves as a member of the Public & Government Relations Committee.
Andrew Braff is an associate in the Seattle office at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where his practice focuses on renewable energy project development and finance in the biomass, biofuels, geothermal, wind, ocean energy, and solar industries. His experience includes advising on real estate sale and leasing transactions (including wind and geothermal leases), federal and state legislative and regulatory process, and government incentives (including the Title XVII and 9003 loan guarantee programs, where he counseled the first two companies to receive guarantees under these programs), as well as drafting and reviewing principle project-related documentation. Andrew also provides general corporate advice to start-up and early-stage companies seeking financing. Andrew previously served as an extern for Justice Mary E. Fairhurst of the Washington State Supreme Court and as director for policy and public affairs for California State Assemblyman (now State Senator) Mark Wyland. In addition, he was a legislative assistant to Congressman George R. Nethercutt, Jr., where he advised on numerous federal policy issues.