Board of Directors

Larry McNeff (Chief Executive Manager)

Larry McNeff is currently President of SarTec Corporation, a company he co-founded in 1983 and owned since 1985. SarTec manufactures natural, Yucca-based products for use in varying applications, including lawn care, animal health and feed additive, grain conditioning and waste management control. Mr. McNeff is also President of Marla Properties (an aircraft and real estate ownership and management company), MA Properties (a real estate ownership and management company) and Vice President of McNeff Research Consultants. Mr. McNeff holds a Chemistry degree from the University of Nebraska where he also conducted graduate research work as a lab assistant. He holds 9 patents for work completed at Cargill and SarTec Corporation, with 2 more patents in “pending” status. Previous positions have included Marketing Director for Wingrove Enterprises, Silo Guard and various positions in Chemistry and laboratory work for Cargill, Inc. Larry is a member of the American Chemical Society and American Society of Animal Science.

Marie McNeff (Secretary)

Dr. Marie McNeff is currently Assistant to the President at SarTec Corporation and a Regent at Augsburg College in Minneapolis MN. She has been with SarTec since 2000, when she left Augsburg College after 32 years. Dr. McNeff held various positions with increasing responsibility during her tenure at Augsburg, including positions as Academic Master Planner and Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the College. She has been involved with teaching at all levels, from K-8 and Junior High to College level courses, including training teachers and Masters of Leadership classes. Marie has presented at numerous conferences on subjects as varying as “Learning to Read and Learning Styles” and “The Unique Culture of the Adult Learner: Communication Patterns of Five Types of Adult Learners” and published articles throughout her career. Dr. McNeff holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Elementary Education and a Doctorate degree in Administration from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She is a co-owner and Principal in both Marla Properties LLC and McNeff Research Consultants.

Clayton McNeff (Treasurer/Chief Science Officer)

Dr. Clayton McNeff is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Director of ZirChrom Separations, as well as the Vice President of Research at SarTec Corporation, and Chief Science Officer as well as being a principal and founder in McNeff Research Consultants, Mcgyan Reactors LLC and Ever Cat Fuels, LLC of all of which are headquartered in Minnesota. Dr. McNeff has co-written over 20 published articles in the area of separation science with special emphasis on the study of metal oxide-based stationary phases for high performance liquid chromatography and high temperature liquid chromatography.  Dr. McNeff's doctoral research centered on the development of a chemically and thermally stable zirconia-based high performance anion-exchange stationary phases, all of which are currently offered commercially. Dr. McNeff is a principal contributor on 3 patents as a result of work completed at SarTec Corporation. Dr. McNeff has been the the principal investigator for numerous grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  He is a recipient of a 2002 Tibbett's Award for achievement in innovation and technology associated with the federal small business innovation research program (SBIR).  Dr. McNeff has presented at numerous technical conferences since 1997 and maintains membership in the American Chemical Society, American Chemical Society Analytical Division, Minnesota Chromatography Forum and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Dr. McNeff is an avid golfer and proud father of three children.

Steve Pierson

Steve is currently President of Chrom Tech which he founded in 1983.  Chrom Tech manufactures chromatography instrumentation supplies and accessories. Steve received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota and his MBA from the University of St. Thomas.  In 1999, Steve was the recipient of the Minnesota Chromatography Forum Palmer Award.  Steve enjoys gardening, boating, and spending time with his three grandchildren.