Board of Directors

Kathy Nafie, President

Kathy has a passion for the plight of women who prepare food for their family with primitive methods that often lead to heavy smoke inhalation, burns and scarring.  For 30 years, she has supported programs to improve the welfare of women in developing countries.  As a part of BEF, she has demonstrated her leadership through strategic planning and organizational management.

William Ayres, Vice President

Bill has devoted his career to implementing commerical applications of  bio-fuels, including hydrogen-based options, ethanol, ammonia, and liquid forms such as soybean oil for biomass gasification.  He has served on the Board since 2006, guiding its development into a leading resource on current biomass gasification research.

Thomas Reed, PhD,  Scientist Emeritus

Tom’s career has spanned six decades in scientific research and teaching the world about biomass gasification.  His vision is to have 1,000,000 woodgas stoves distributed globally.  Tom has expanded and solidified the knowledgebase with his extensive writings and research — available in the BEF webstore.  Now, as Scientist Emeritus, he is guiding BEF into the 21st century as BEF broadens its vision with the practical applications of biomass gasification.

Paul S Anderson, PhD “Dr TLUD”

Paul designed the TLUD stove named “Champion” which is now offered on our webstore.  Paul travels the globe, working with native peoples, NGOs and governments to teach and motivate others in the science and art of the Top Lit Up Draft combustion method.

Hugh McLaughlin, PhD, PE