Our Leadership Team
President, Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Giberson joined American Refining Group in 2019. He is responsible for planning and directing all aspects of our operational policies, objectives, and initiatives, as well as the attainment of short- and long-term financial and operational goals. Prior to joining us, he served as vice president/general manager for the Americas at Sonneborn. Mr. Giberson holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Rochester and went on to complete a master of business administration in marketing and finance from St. Bonaventure University. He completed executive education at Harvard Business School and the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Zolkos joined American Refining Group in 2011. His overall responsibilities include accounting, crude disbursements, and information technology. Mr. Zolkos is also responsible for maintaining banking relationships and preparing financial statements, budgeting, and heading the daily operations of the accounting department. He also lends his expertise on all federal and state tax compliance and reporting. He earned a bachelor of science degree in finance from Penn State University and a master of business administration and finance degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to joining us, Mr. Zolkos was vice president of finance at PLS Logistics Services in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.
Senior Vice President, Operations
Mr. Augustine joined American Refining Group in 2015. Prior to that, he held a number of executive roles with manufacturers in Canada and the United States. He brings 12 years of experience in lubricants and refining with Suncor Energy. Mr. Augustine is responsible for the overall operation of American Refining Group’s Bradford refinery and its blending and packaging facilities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Toronto and a master of business administration degree from the university’s Rotman School of Management.
Vice President, Human Resources
Ms. Hayden joined American Refining Group in 2005 as a human resource generalist. After being promoted to her current role, she developed integrated approaches to human capital strategies, policies, procedures, programs, and solutions that are aligned with strategic business objectives, as well as the company’s vision, mission, and core values. Ms. Hayden earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and holds the Professional Human Resource (PHR) certification. Prior to joining us, she was a workforce development manager for North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission.
Vice President, Research and Development
Mr. Kozminski rejoined American Refining Group in 2007. He has overall responsibility for the Research and Development Laboratory, the Quality Control Laboratory, the Technical Service Department, the New Product Development Department, and the ISO quality-management system. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Mr. Kozminski has co-/authored several technical papers published in peer-reviewed journals. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Mr. Malone joined us in 2019, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience in technical sales, marketing, business development, and executive leadership in the base oils, lubricants, and industrial markets. He guides American Refining Group’s sales and marketing efforts to help us achieve our vision to be the trusted partner for specialty refining solutions. Most recently, Mr. Malone served as director of strategic marketing and sales with API Heat Transfer in Buffalo, New York. A veteran of the United States Coast Guard, Mr. Malone earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and he went on to complete a master of business administration in finance and marketing from Northeastern University in Boston. He was honored as a Kellogg Executive Scholar in marketing at Northwestern University. His professional memberships include the National Fluid Power Association, Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals, and the Association of National Advertisers. He is a Certified Lubrication Specialist through the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers.
Vice President, Crude Supply and Logistics
Mr. Murray joined American Refining Group in 2004 as manager of crude oil operations for our western division, and in 2008 he was named vice president of crude oil acquisition. After being promoted to his current position in 2011, Mr. Murray took over directing the organization’s purchasing and logistical activities. He is responsible for all crude-supply and acquisition activities, including the company’s crude-terminal and -gathering operations in Ohio. Prior to joining ARG, Mr. Murray served as vice president of exploration and production at Belden & Blake Corp. Mr. Murray earned a bachelor of science degree in petroleum engineering from Marietta College in Ohio.
Director, Supply Chain
Mr. Simpson has been with ARG since June 2017, when he assumed leadership of our Blending and Packaging Plants. He was promoted to Director – Supply Chain on Jan. 3, 2022. Mr. Simpson oversees all aspects of supply chain management, including (but not limited to) logistics, warehousing, inventory management, material forecasting, capacity planning and sourcing, master scheduling, inventory control and financial costing in order to sustain production goals. This spans from the development of forecast replenishment needs, to product acquisition, to finished goods inventory and on-time delivery. Mr. Simpson completed a bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering at Alfred University. He also earned the Association for Operations Management’s Certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and is an ISO-certified Internal Auditor.
Vice President and General Counsel
Mr. Smith joined American Refining Group in 2008. Previously, he was a partner in the Philadelphia-based law firm Duane Morris, where he practiced corporate law and represented American Refining Group as outside counsel for more than 20 years. Mr. Smith earned his law degree at Boston University in 1980 and is a 1973 graduate of Dartmouth College.