James Herbert II served as Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Committee Member at Green Plains Inc. from March 2025 to August 2025. In this senior leadership role, he directed the company's human capital strategy, overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and organizational development. As a key member of the Executive Committee, James provided strategic HR counsel to the C-suite, aligning workforce capabilities with Green Plains' mission to deliver sustainable biofuels and agricultural solutions amid rapid industry transformation. With more than 25 years of progressive HR leadership in the energy, manufacturing, and agribusiness sectors, James built a distinguished career at organizations such as Archer Daniels Midland and Valero Energy. Notable achievements include leading a comprehensive talent transformation at a major ethanol producer, which reduced voluntary turnover by 35% and boosted employee engagement scores to the top quartile through data-driven succession planning and leadership development programs. He also spearheaded labor negotiations during a period of regulatory upheaval, saving the company millions in operational costs while enhancing workplace safety standards. During his tenure at Green Plains Inc., James championed agile HR practices to support the company's expansion in renewable energy, implementing AI-enhanced recruitment tools and upskilling programs that accelerated hiring for critical technical roles. His contributions strengthened the executive team's focus on culture and performance, positioning Green Plains for long-term growth in a competitive market. James's expertise in fostering inclusive, high-performing teams continues to influence industry best practices.