Meet The Team

Our reputation is built on unwavering integrity, and our ability to consistently deliver for our customers with technical expertise, operational flexibility and scale, and product quality.

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Jay Van Valen

— CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Jay Van Valen is Chief Executive Officer for JST Global, responsible for all aspects of the company’s operations with an emphasis on long-term goals, growth, and strategic planning.

Jay has served as CEO since the company’s formation in February 2020. Before joining JST he was President of Jacob Stern & Sons, Inc., where he led the company through a period of considerable growth, optimizing the use of storage and processing facilities to expand into new markets. Before joining Jacob Stern, Jay spent 8 years in various commercial and management positions in the shipping industry.

Jay earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering and Management from the United States Merchant Marine Academy

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Jake Scheerhorn

— CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Jake Scheerhorn is Chief Operating Officer for JST Global, responsible for the company’s operations and finance functions.

Jake joined JST from Tyson Foods, where he worked in Tyson’s International and Fresh Meats divisions in strategy and general management roles. During this time, he supported Tyson’s acquisitions of Keystone Foods, BRF assets in Asia and Europe, construction of a new Fresh Meats Case Ready processing facility in Utah, and the JST Global joint venture. Jake joined Tyson through its acquisition of AdvancePierre Foods – where he led the company’s corporate development activities including acquisitions, its initial public offering, and ultimate sale to Tyson Foods.

Jake earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, with an emphasis in Finance.

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Scott Bunz

— VICE PRESIDENT OF TRADING

Scott Bunz is the Vice President of Trading for JST Global, LLC, based at the company’s Omaha, NE office. Scott oversees daily trading and risk management activities, and works with the trade team to manage logistics and customer service across JST’s network of supply and processing facilities.

Prior to JST Scott spent 25 years in the feed ingredient and renewable fuel trading business with Gavilon, LLC and Tenaska, Inc, and Jacob Stern & Sons. Most of that time was spent managing animal products and vegetable oil businesses. He served as President of the American Fats and Oils Association and as a member of that board for over 20 years.

Scott is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Agricultural Business.

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Tim Carmack

— VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Tim Carmack is the Vice President of Operations, responsible for leading the operations team across multiple sites, and driving operational execution and strategic change in the group.

Prior to JST Global, Tim led operations for Jacob Stern & Sons in Texas, and also held various supply chain and manufacturing roles within the oil and gas service industry. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, which he utilizes to lead major capital projects and drive operational excellence across the organization.

Tim holds a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Business from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business. This combination of education and experience has made him an invaluable asset to JST Global, where he uses his expertise to drive growth and success for the company.

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Mike Prosser

— SR. DIRECTOR OF TRADING

Mike Prosser is the Sr. Director of Trading, responsible for managing and executing both financial and physical trading positions, along with managing logistical agreements and relationships.

Mike has 27 years of experience trading numerous agriculture and energy commodities. He has spent time managing positions at ConAgra, Bunge, and Tenaska before joining JST Global.

Mike holds a B.S. in Animal Science & Industry, with an emphasis on Agribusiness from Kansas State University. He is married with three children.

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Jeremy Hedrick

— CORPORATE CONTROLLER

Jeremy Hedrick is the Corporate Controller and Treasurer, responsible for JST Global’s accounting and treasury functions. Since joining the company, he has been instrumental in streamlining the Accounting, Audit, Finance, Internal Control, and Reporting functions as the company continues to expand its global footprint.

Before to joining JST Global, Jeremy worked in corporate accounting with horizontal directional drilling, mining, and oilfield services companies, and in public accounting providing audit services. He is a graduate of Texas State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting and Management.