Bruce Rastetter

Bruce Rastetter is a lifelong Iowan committed to making a difference in our state. He is a successful entrepreneur of agriculture and energy-related companies as well as a community leader dedicated to improving the quality and affordability of higher education in Iowa. He learned the value of hard work and education growing up on his 300-acre family farm outside of Alden; later attending Ellsworth Community College and the University of Iowa. After graduating he returned to his roots to start his own feed management business. The success of the business led him to additional start-ups—a building construction entity and a swine production operation—later merging the three businesses into Heartland Pork Enterprises. He guided Heartland’s acquisition by Christensen Farms to become the 4th largest U.S. pork producer. A true entrepreneur, Bruce co-founded Hawkeye Energy Holdings in 2003; which grew to become one of America’s largest pure-play ethanol producers. He served as CEO until 2011. Today, Bruce serves as CEO of the Summit Agricultural Group, a leader in agribusiness, production agriculture, renewable energy and international development. The organization includes Summit Farms, headquartered in northern Iowa. The operation includes extensive grain and meat production while maintaining a strong environmental commitment with thousands of acres of conservation land. Bruce is an active philanthropist and community leader supporting efforts focused on education and entrepreneurship. He is the president of the Iowa Board of Regents and serves on the board of directors for Iowa Premium Beef and Cultivation Corridor. Bruce was elected the 18th President of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, on June 5, 2013, and unanimously re-elected on April 24, 2014; he became Interim President on May 1, 2013 and served as President Pro Tem from July 11, 2011 until June 5, 2013. Regent Rastetter's term on the Board expires April 30, 2017.