About Us

Established in 1998, the Community Advisory Council to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend Refinery (CAC) was born out of a commitment to environmental responsibility. Following a period of environmental and safety concerns at the Pine Bend refinery, the community, local public officials and Flint Hills Resources took a proactive stance. The CAC was established as an independent voice to bridge the gap between the community and the refinery, fostering open dialogue and a strong community relationship.

A graphic showing a city and a refinery connected by a bridge and the following words: Serving as a bridge between the refinery and the surrounding communities.

MISSION

The CAC provides two-way communication between the community and Pine Bend refinery leadership. It provides members with an opportunity to discuss issues and make recommendations to Flint Hills Resources regarding environmental and safety issues of concern to the people living or working near the refinery. It also provides a way for the company to solicit direct feedback from the community regarding refinery operations and plans.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  • Serve as a credible and trustworthy voice for our community and neighbors.

  • Respect and encourage differing perspectives.

  • Seek input from our neighbors and community members to ensure that we are representing their interests.

  • Gather and analyze credible data to make informed decisions and recommendations.

  • Build a trusted and productive partnership between the community and refinery.

Located in Rosemount, MN, the Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery produces transportation fuels used throughout the Midwest, including most of Minnesota’s gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel, as well as other products people rely on such as propane, asphalt and fertilizers.

Learn more about the Pine Bend refinery.

The Community Advisory Council is composed of thoughtful and dedicated volunteer citizens and Pine Bend refinery representatives. Together, they are committed to building two-way communication between the community and the Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery.

MEMBERS

A graphic with an icon of a person and a check mark with the following words: 107+ CAC members since 1998.

CAC Members

  • A headshot of a man, Gary Bambenek, in w suite with glasses and a white beard.

    Gary Bambenek

    Inver Grove Heights

  • A headshot of a man, Michael Cann, in a dress shirt.

    Michael Cahn

    Rosemount

  • Nathaniel Cahn

    Student Representative

  • A headshot of a woman, Pamela Carlson, with brown hair.

    Pamela Carlson

    Eagan

  • Kevin Carroll

    Rosemount

  • A headshot of a brown-haired woman, Cyndee Fields, wearing glasses.

    Cyndee Fields

    Eagan

  • A headshot of a man, Steen Fjastad, wearing a blue tie and suit.

    Steen Fjalstad

    Eagan

  • A headshot of a man, Kevin Green, wearing glasses and a suit.

    Kevin Green

    Hastings

  • A headshot of a man, Ken Hamen, wearing a dress shirt and baseball cap.

    Ken Hamen

    Inver Grove Heights

  • A headshot of a brown-haired man, Philip Johnson, wearing a red tie and suit.

    Philip Johnson

    Apple Valley

  • A headshot of a man, Mike Koutnik, with white hair and a salt-and-pepper moustache.

    Mike Koutnik

    Eagan

  • A headshot of a man, Dave Ladd, with white hair and wearing a dress shirt.

    Dave Ladd

    Apple Valley

  • A headshot of a white-haired man, Bill Raker, who is wearing glasses.

    Bill Raker

    Eagan

  • A headshot of a man, Kevin Sethre, who is wearing glasses, suit and tie.

    Kevin Sethre

    Inver Grove Heights

  • Edward Steele

    Inver Grove Heights

  • A headshot of a man, Troy Stephens, with brown hair and beard.

    Troy Stephens

    Inver Grove Heights

  • Anton Thurnau

    Student Representative

  • A headshot of a man, David Tsurusaki, wearing a suit and tie, boutonniere and glasses.

    David Tsurusaki

    Apple Valley

Pine Bend refinery representation:

  • Director of community affairs

  • Plant manager

  • Union representative

  • Director of environmental affairs

CAC staff:

  • Facilitator: Tobin Lay

  • Administrator: Linda Blake