What is No Ethanol Fernandina?
A group of Fernandina Beach residents got together and formed No Ethanol Fernandina as an informal group to advocate on behalf of the residents of Fernandina Beach to oppose the RYAM proposed Ethanol Chemical Manufacturing facility. That group was then formalized by the creation of Fernandina Wins, Inc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation which then registered with the State of Florida as “doing business as” (d/b/a) No Ethanol Fernandina, performing day to day operations to support the advocacy on behalf of Fernandina Beach residents. This community advocacy group and has now added Fernandina Wins Advocacy, which is a 501(c)4 not for profit corporation that is able to retain and pay for lobbying efforts to oppose RYAM’S proposed ethanol manufacturing facility on the island.
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Our role is to:
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Monitor the approval process Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) must go through before they are allowed to begin construction
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Coordinate lobbying efforts, including retaining a lobbying firm, to oppose legislation that would allow RYAM to construct the Ethanol Manufacturing facility
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Coordinate legal action, including retaining a land use law firm, to direct judicial efforts when warranted
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Keep the community informed on status
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Educate the community about the dangers of ethanol production and risks to our community
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Mobilize community opposition
Our Mission
Our mission is to mobilize a diverse coalition of concerned citizens, local businesses, and community leaders to prevent the construction of RYAM's ethanol chemical manufacturing plant in Fernandina Beach. We are committed to supporting the enforcement of Fernandina Beach’s Comprehensive Plan, which safeguards the health, safety, and well-being of our residents, protects our environment, and preserves the unique character of our community.
Our Vision and Purpose
Fernandina Wins, Inc. d/b/a No Ethanol Fernandina is a passionate coalition of citizens dedicated to protecting the health, environment, and quality of life of our community.
We are united in our determination to prevent the manufacturing of the chemical ethanol in Fernandina Beach at RYAM's Gum Street plant adjacent to residences, businesses, schools, churches, and our historic downtown.
Through education, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization, we will tirelessly work to ensure that the interests of our community are prioritized over corporate profits, and that the beauty and tranquility of our island are preserved for future generations.
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We will not compromise on our commitment to a safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible future for Fernandina Beach and Nassau County, including coordinating and retaining lobbying and law firms to assist in this fight.
Our Financial Structure
Fernandina Wins, Inc. is an official Florida not-for-profit entity duly registered as a Charity accepting donations, and we have been granted a 501(c)3 exemption with the IRS.
This makes donations to Fernandina Wins, Inc. tax deductible as per IRS rules.
Fernandina Wins, Inc., is doing business as No Ethanol Fernandina and has now formed and incorporated, Fernandina Wins Advocacy, a 501(c)4, that allows the organization to retain and pay for lobbying efforts.
We operate with financial transparency. No Board member receives a salary or other compensation except for an occasional expense reimbursement. We use donations to fund our digital communication platforms and for professional fees, including lobbying, legal and marketing.
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Read our 2024 Financial Statement and Reimbursement Expense Detail.
We established Fernandina Wins, Inc. as the parent organization of No Ethanol Fernandina because we believe it is likely our community will face similar challenges in the future. We want to be prepared to engage and rally like-minded citizens to support other efforts to protect and preserve the charm, character and safety of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island once the fight to stop ethanol production is won. We will discuss, coordinate and secure approval of any future engagement with our supporters.
Should any funds remain after the fight to stop ethanol is concluded, upon request, Fernandina Wins, Inc., will return to any donor a pro-rated share of their donation. Should Fernandina Wins, Inc. decide to cease operation, it is a requirement that we distribute all remaining funds to other 501(c)3 entities, such as Conserve Nassau and / or the Amelia Tree Conservancy.
Our Board of Directors
Franklin Hileman
President, Government Relations Committee Sponsor​
​Franklin is a former prosecutor, construction litigator, Manager of Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Hallandale Beach, and National Manager of Governmental Affairs for a Fortune 500 company where he testified and lobbied in 38 states and managed government affairs efforts for the remainder of the states. He and his wife Karen have one daughter living in New York City and two daughters living in Washington, DC. Franklin and Karen are currently building a home on Amelia Island as their long term retirement residence.
Kristin Huben
Director, Communications
Relocating to Amelia Island in 2015, Kristin is an Account Director for Chicago-based meeting and events firm MOC&CO. With a passion for environmental issues, community, and service, Kristin joined the NEF board in 2025. She also sits on the Executive Board of Amelia Tree Conservancy and as a Board Director for the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. ​
John Hart
Treasurer, Legal Committee Sponsor
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John is a retired Air Force Colonel and retired senior attorney from the DoD Legal Services Agency. He has a juris doctorate from Wake Forest University and a master of laws degree from George Washington University. John retired in 2020 after a 38-year career in federal acquisition, ethics, and fiscal law and moved with his wife of 41 years to Fernandina. Melanie and John have four sons.
Len Kreger
Secretary, City Relations Advisor
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Len spent 24 years in the U.S. Marines, served Fernandina Beach as a City Commissioner for seven years and as a member of the Planning Advisory Board for six years. He also served on the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council for five years. He currently is on the Executive Board of the Sierra Nassau Group, the Advisory Committee of Affordable Housing First, and the City's Board of Adjustment.
Julie Ferreira
Director, Community Out Reach and Events
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Julie is a longtime resident of Fernandina Beach. She has over 50 years of experience centered on environmental, equity, and social issues. Her work has revolved around advocating for a vibrant healthy community, clean air and water, curtailing the impacts of over-development, increased density, and saving local tree canopies. She is one of the original founders of Friends of Fernandina and Amelia Island Earthkeepers and currently serves as chairperson of the Nassau County Sierra Club.