Caroline Rowan
Caroline Rowan, Convenience Retail Expert
In 2024, SuperValu Portstewart won the highly coveted NACS Convenience Retailer of the Year Award and Musgrave Company Owned stores won the Retail Industry Award for Convenience Retailer of the Year. With over 20 years’ experience working in roles across retail and wholesale for both the convenience symbol groups and a leading multiple, Caroline has a wealth of knowledge in the sector.
Janine Robar
Janine Robar, Associate Dir. Mobility Innovation
State of Michigan
As the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s (OFME) mobility innovation associate director, Janine is focused on growing Michigan’s mobility and electrification ecosystem and creating safer, more equitable and environmentally conscious transportation solutions for Michigan residents. Janine leads innovation growth initiatives at OFME including signature grant programs under the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) and state-wide testing assets. In addition to managing MMFP, she facilitates industry collaboration through various working groups convening subject matter experts to identify challenges in the state and develop solutions.
Prior to joining OFME, Janine was an associate director leading the mobility practice at Antenna Group, a leading cleantech communications agency. In this role, Janine focused on strategy development, media relations, and project management across account teams. Janine’s client experience spans product launches, company rebrands, high-profile public and private partnerships, market entries and crisis management. Her areas of expertise include advanced transportation infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, battery technology and growth-focused programs including incubators and accelerators.
Additionally, Janine previously led the overall b2b and b2c marketing communications strategy for Shift Transit, a mobility operations startup focusing on first/last-mile micromobiltiy solutions. Janine has also held multiple positions at leading automotive b2b publication, Automotive News including integrated marketing manager and conference specialist. While at Automotive News Janine planned and executed large-scale conferences and events for industry executives as well as integrated marketing campaigns and custom content for industry partners. In 2019, Janine was honored with the Automotive News Tony Merpi Award for Leadership & Innovation for her efforts in streamlining cross-functional processes.
A longtime cycling enthusiast and advocate, she is passionate about helping organizations develop accessible and equitable mobility solutions. Janine holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Marketing from Eastern Michigan University and lives on the eastside of Detroit.
Donnie Rhoads
Donnie Rhoads, Director of Business Development
The Convenience Group, LLC
Donnie Rhoads is Director of Business Development at The Convenience Group, LLC. Based in Southwest Washington, TCG is a collection of community stores that both reflect and serve their individual neighborhoods.
Donnie works to streamline store operations and oversee initiatives for growth, especially when it comes to the implementation of new technology. He is also an avid Seahawks fan and loves to cook.
Donnie Rhoads
Donnie Rhoads, Director of Business Development
The Convenience Group, LLC
Donnie Rhoads is Director of Business Development at The Convenience Group, LLC. Based in Southwest Washington, TCG is a collection of community stores that both reflect and serve their individual neighborhoods.
Donnie works to streamline store operations and oversee initiatives for growth, especially when it comes to the implementation of new technology. He is also an avid Seahawks fan and loves to cook.
Donald Rhoads
Donald Rhoads, President/CEO
The Convenience Group, LLC
COMPANY: The Convenience Group, LLC owns and operates 6 convenience stores and franchises 3 convenience stores in Southwest Washington state. The chain was awarded 2018 and 2024 Washington State Retailer of the Year by the Washington Food Industry and Independent Grocers Association.
DON’S BACKGROUND BUSINESS: Don is the owner and CEO of The Convenience Group, LLC and has led the company in strategic growth, planning and establishment of long-term goals and policies, and building the company’s asset portfolio. Don began his convenience store career in 1989 as President of the Quick Shop Minit Mart, a 65-unit convenience store chain located in Vancouver, Washington. Don is past Chairman of National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), Chairman of NACS Political Engagement Committee and serves on the NACS Executive Committee, which provides strategic direction and financial oversight to the association. Don is past President and founding member of Washington Association of Neighborhood Stores.
EDUCATION: St. Mary’s College; Western Washington University; National Development Council; NACS Financial Leadership Program, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania; NACS Marketing Leadership Program, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, NACS Innovation Leadership Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and NACS Executive Leadership Program at Dyson Cornell College of Business.
FAMILY: Don and Jennifer have two children.
ACTIVITIES: Family, travel and outdoor activities.
Laura Renger
Laura Renger, Executive Director
CalETC
Laura Renger is the Executive Director of the California Electric Transportation Coalition (CalETC). In this role, Laura leads the dedicated team of CalETC professionals responsible for all aspects of the organization’s legislative and regulatory advocacy. Together with the CalETC board and members, CalETC supports and advocates for the transition to a zero-emission transportation future to spur economic growth, fuel diversity and energy independence, contribute to clean air, and combat climate change. CalETC is a non-profit association committed to the successful introduction and large-scale deployment of all forms of electric transportation. The CalETC Board of Directors includes representatives from: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Pacific Gas and Electric, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, San Diego Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Southern California Public Power Authority, and the Northern California Power Agency. In addition to electric utilities, the CalETC membership includes major automakers, manufacturers of zero-emission trucks and buses, electric vehicle charging providers, autonomous electric vehicle fleet operators, and other industry leaders supporting transportation electrification.
Prior to CalETC, Laura developed extensive knowledge of transportation electrification and state energy policy during her 15-year career at Southern California Edison, where she most recently served as the Director of Electrification and Customer Services Policy. In this role, Laura provided the strategic leadership necessary to advance efficient electrification while maintaining affordability and providing beneficial energy programs to customers. Laura previously served as the Director of the Edison International President and CEO’s Office, supporting matters coming before the Edison International Managing Committee as well as activities at Edison International and its subsidiaries, SCE and Edison Energy Group.
Before her position with Edison International, Laura led the Air & Climate Policy team at SCE, where she was responsible for the utility’s regulatory and legislative policy concerning air quality, climate change, and transportation electrification. During this time Laura also served as the Vice Chair of CALSTART and CalETC board member.
Laura is a current board member of the Coalition for Clean Air and also serves as the Secretary of the Los Alamitos High School Football Booster Club.
Claudio Reboredo
Claudio Reboredo, Partner - Owner
FGC Fuels Marketing
Claudio Reboredo, a seasoned international executive and entrepreneur, straddles diverse worlds as a consultant, speaker, and key industry figure. Currently, he holds the pivotal role of Relationship Partner for LATAM at NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores, USA).
Claudio's international prowess is evident in his 30+ years of experience within a multinational corporation, spanning varied stints across the UK, Colombia, Mexico, and the US. His expertise lies in navigating diverse industries like retail, oil and gas, and technology, having held leadership positions in sales, marketing, and operations.
Beyond corporate walls, Claudio leverages his acumen to guide prominent companies in Latin America through his consulting firm Core Crowd (www.corecrowd.net).
He is also the co-founder of FGC Fuels Marketing (www.fgc.company), a fuel wholesale and retail powerhouse in Argentina. FGC was the first Latin American business to win the NACS Convenience Retailer of the Year Award in 2023. We have also been recognized as Argentina's best retailer by Shell International and ranked second globally in the "The Best Foodvenience Store in the World 2024" competition.
A sought-after speaker at industry events, Claudio imparts insights on strategy and leadership. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for continuous learning, his career began in executive education, where he created SIMx (corecrowd.net/simx), a "business war" simulation model for mastering the intricacies of retail.
Claudio's literary debut, "El cuento del Liderazgo”, delves into inspiring stories to unveil the essence of true leadership.
He further lends his expertise as an advisor to the NACS International Board of Directors and the NACS LATAM committee, having previously served on the Coca Cola Retailing Research Council for Latin America.
Darren Rebelez
Darren Rebelez, Chairman, President and CEO
Casey's General Stores
Darren Rebelez is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Casey’s (NASDAQ: CASY), a FORTUNE 500 company operating over 2,600 convenience stores throughout the Midwest and South. As CEO of the third largest convenience retailer and fifth largest pizza chain in the United States, Rebelez offers a wealth of experience from his career as a senior executive in the convenience, restaurant and fuel industries.
Under Rebelez’ leadership, Casey’s has undergone a remarkable transformation, including several significant milestones: a brand modernization/reimaging, closing several significant acquisitions (including the largest in the company’s history), a digital transformation including the first rewards platform that currently boasts over 7.5 million members, launching a new e-commerce platform, relaunching the company's private brand business, and
publishing the company’s first ESG report.
Prior to Casey’s, Rebelez served as the President of IHOP Restaurants, a unit of Dine Brands Global, Inc.. While leading IHOP, the company grew to become the largest full service restaurant brand in the USA. Previous to IHOP, Rebelez worked at 7-Eleven, the world’s largest convenience store chain, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Before 7-Eleven, Darren held numerous leadership roles within ExxonMobil Corporation.
Preceding his civilian career, Darren was an Army Ranger and Gulf War veteran. A native of San Diego, he is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Area Studies. He went on to also earn an MBA from the University of Houston.
In addition to his role at Casey’s, Darren serves on the board of directors of Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), and as an advisory board member for the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.