Patricia Woertz, CEO and president of an ethanol and biofuel production company, is scheduled to speak on campus today about alternative fuel sources such as bioenergy.
Woertz heads up Archer Daniels Midland, an agricultural processing company that focuses on turning crops into ingredients and fuels.
Richard Rodner, associate dean for marketing and communications at the UCLA Anderson School on Management, said Woertz’ appearance on campus is especially relevant due to the ongoing search for energy sources to replace fossil fuels.
“This is a very timely issue,” he said. “The growth of bioenergy presents a rare opportunity in terms of our own energy needs.”
Rodner added that he expects Woertz’ talk to focus largely on the role biofuels will play in the future of the energy industry.
After Woertz gives a brief introductory talk, Judy Olian, executive dean of the Anderson School, will conduct an interview-style discussion with her, Rodner said. Then the audience will be invited to ask Woertz questions.
“I would hope that (audience members) would take away a sense that there are a lot of issues to consider as we look toward the future. (Biofuel) is certainly one thing to consider,” Rodner said.
Woertz has worked in the energy industry in some capacity for a number of years. Before taking over as CEO of Archer Daniels Midland in 2006, she served as executive vice president of Chevron Corporation, according to a statement released by Archer Daniels Midland last year.
Rodner said that in addition to her energy expertise, Woertz has valuable business insight.
He noted that in her capacity as CEO and president of Archer Daniels Midland, she is leading the company’s transformation from a largely agricultural producer to a firm with a different focus.
“Also, she’s really only one of about 10 women leading Fortune 500 companies, and that in itself is pretty extraordinary,” he said.
The event is free and open to the public, though attendees are asked to RSVP through the Anderson School’s Web site.
Woertz’ appearance on campus is cosponsored by the Anderson School, the UCLA School of Public Affairs, the UCLA School of Law’s Environmental Law Center and the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science.