Member Board of Directors at National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA)
📍 Alta, Iowa, United States
Erik Lightner is the CEO of Platinum Crush, leveraging nearly 30 years of experience in oilseed processing and engineering. A Penn State chemical engineering graduate, he began his career at Archer Daniels Midland and held executive roles at The Haskell Company, specializing in growing businesses in the global agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Outside of work, Erik is a former Penn State Icers hockey player (1990-94). He and his wife, whom he met through the hockey team, enjoy pursuing new adventures together, which recently led them to relocate to Iowa for his role at Platinum Crush. He values building intentional relationships and a culture of trust.
Interesting fact: Erik has significant international career experience, including working in Singapore in the cocoa industry.
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Experience
30 Years
Current Role
Member Board of Directors
Job Level
Leadership
Location
Alta, Iowa, United States
Personality Overview
How Erik shows up
Consensus Builder
Example Driven
Fair-minded
Win-win scenarios can appeal strongly to them. Unlike D or C types, they are calm as well as friendly and can give the impression of being more receptive than they actually are. They are more likely to go for proven solutions.
Priorities
Topics Erik cares about
Value-Added Agriculture
As CEO of Platinum Crush, he is focused on propelling value-added agriculture forward in Iowa by maximizing the value of locally grown soybeans for food and fuel.
Team Leadership
He focuses on building teams founded on integrity, trust, and transparency to create a culture of safety, quality, and community within his organization.
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Career
Work history
7-2025
Member Board of Directors
National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA)
4-2023
President and Chief Executive Officer
Platinum Crush LLC
8-2022 - 5-2023
Vice President - International Construction and Manufacturing
The Haskell Company
1-2017 - 12-2022
Vice President & Division Leader - Consumer Products
Steadiness (S) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to focus on cooperation, support and taking everyone along. Those scoring high tend to be consistent and calm.
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