With a new fiscal year comes new leadership. The 2026-27 GEAPS International Board of Directors has been announced and terms have begun. This year’s leaders bring a variety of experience and are eager to help GEAPS fulfill its mission to champion, connect and serve the global grain industry.
The voting period took place earlier this spring. With the votes counted, this year’s leaders were announced at the GEAPS Annual Meeting in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Terms began July 1, 2026.
Alex Westlind is President
GEAPS is pleased to announce Alex Westlind will serve as GEAPS’ International Board president. Westlind, a member of GEAPS since 2007, is the business development manager at The Weitz Co. LLC in Plymouth, Minnesota.
“It’s an honor to step into this role as GEAPS president and represent an organization that brings together professionals from every corner of the grain and grain processing industries. The strength of GEAPS has always been its ability to connect people, share knowledge and build lasting relationships. I look forward to working alongside our members, chapters and industry partners to continue growing that impact in the year ahead.”
Bob Horvat is Chairman
Bob Horvat, who served as GEAPS president for the past year, now assumes the role of chairman of the board. Horvat is the manufacturing tech lead for Cargill Inc. in Wayzata, Minnesota.
“Serving as GEAPS president this past year has been a rewarding experience, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made as an organization,” Horvat said. “We celebrated another record-breaking Exchange, surpassed 4,500 members, expanded educational offerings and strengthened support for local chapters. We also continued to grow our reach by welcoming more professionals from the grain processing sector and creating new opportunities for learning, networking and leadership development. GEAPS is building a bigger, stronger community, and it is exciting to see the impact that growth is having. Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a successful year.”
GEAPS Board of Directors
Jeff Trudell of BCI was elected international second vice president. Trudell is now slated for the succession path to serve as 2028-29 international president.
The following regular members were elected to three-year terms as International Board directors: Tom Rodman of TEMCO LLC, Jacob Long of Bartlett and Scott Steinke of The Andersons Co. Trudell was elected as an associate member International Board director, which he declined to assume his second vice president role. Therefore, Dale Vinsand of West Side Salvage LLC was appointed to a one-year term. Adam Geers of Michigan Agricultural Commodities was also appointed to a one-year term to fill a regular member board vacancy.
The GEAPS International Board of Directors is guided by GEAPS bylaws. GEAPS extends its thanks in advance to this year’s directors for their investment of time and talent in guiding GEAPS in its mission. Thank you to all members who voted, and all members are encouraged to get involved with the organization through volunteer opportunities.