Buffalo Biodiesel Recruits Federal Prosecutors for $300 Million Expansion

Frank Balon, formerly of Steuben Foods, has stepped in as president and chief legal officer to steer this growth. Balon is signaling a focus on institutional hardening, recruiting high-profile legal talent to manage the logistical and regulatory complexities of a multi-state operation. Among the new hires are former Erie County prosecutor Ryan Haggerty, who joins as chief state litigator, and former Assistant United States Attorney Jeremiah Lenihan, who takes on the role of chief federal litigator.

These appointments highlight a shift in strategy as the company scales its used cooking oil operations across 25 states. By bringing in prosecutors with backgrounds in organized crime and financial fraud, Balon is prioritizing the protection of company assets and enforcement capabilities. Peter Grisanti has also joined the executive suite as chief financial officer to oversee the capital deployment, as Buffalo Biodiesel attempts to transition from a Northeastern firm to a broader, more robust player in the renewable energy sector.