Vertex Energy, Inc. announced that it is promoting John Strickland, its long-time Manager of Supply, to be its Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. He will succeed David Peel, who will retire at the end of the year. Mr. Strickland, 61, joined Vertex in late 2007 and has over 30 years of experience building relationships and developing companies in the recycling of used oils and fuel blending.

In his various positions, he has grown used oil collection fleets, environmental service programs (non-hazardous), terminalling businesses for #6-oil from water ports and helped develop software for used oil collection operations. Mr. Strickland was employed by Texpar Energy L.L.C., first as General Manager from November 1999 to November 2003 and then as Project Manager from November 2003 to October 2007. From 1986 to 1999, he was the General Manager and Vice- President of Sellers Oil Inc.