ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, U.S. — CHS Inc. announced on Feb. 15 that Jim Loving has been named senior vice-president for Refining, Pipelines and Terminals, effective April 2. 

Loving will be responsible for CHS Energy refining operations, pipelines and terminals and will continue in his current role as president of the National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA), McPherson, Kansas, U.S.

On Dec. 1, 2011, CHS announced it had reached agreement with the two minority owners of NCRA to transfer full ownership of the petroleum refiner to CHS, currently its majority shareholder. The transaction will be completed Sept. 1, 2015.

Loving will relocate to CHS headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S., and report to Jay Debertin, executive vice- president and chief operating officer, Energy and Foods. Debertin also serves as chairman of the NCRA board of directors.

Dan Knepper, senior vice-president, Energy Operations, who is currently responsible for leading CHS Laurel, Montana, U.S., refinery operations, has announced his retirement, effective April 2, after 30 years of service to the company.

In announcing Loving's new role at CHS, Debertin said, "Jim brings to CHS a wealth of experience in refining, pipelines and terminal operations, along with a solid record of success. His deep knowledge of the refining industry and leadership experience will help CHS achieve its energy aspiration of being a leading provider of energy to rural America and adding value for our member cooperative owners and customers."

Loving has more than 25 years experience in refinery operations. He joined NCRA in 1993 and has served as its president since 1999. Prior to joining NCRA, he held positions at Sinclair Oil Corp. and Conoco, Inc.  Loving serves on the boards of directors for Jayhawk Pipelines LLC, Osage Pipeline Company, and Kaw Pipeline Company.

He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s of business administration from the University of Utah.