Christa Lachenmayr, a senior agricultural economist at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, has been appointed the Commission’s liaison to the Department of Agriculture.
CFTC Chairman Heath Tarbert announced the move Thursday morning. Lachenmayr will be the first CFTC official to hold the position in the commission’s 45-year existence, Tarbert told CFTC’s Agricultural Advisory Committee in April when he said CFTC would “soon appoint” a liaison. At the time, he said USDA is required to appoint a liaison officer “for purposes of maintaining a connection between the USDA and the CFTC. Reciprocating with our own liaison will ensure robust dialogue and continued coordination regarding matters of mutual interest.”
In today’s announcement, Tarbert noted the near-term work ahead of Lachenmayr and other CFTC and USDA officials.
“The timing could not be better, with the CFTC and USDA working closely together to understand coronavirus-related factors that have a direct impact on market fundamentals,” Tarbert said.
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Lachenmayr holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin and American University and works in CFTC’s Division of Market Oversight with responsibility to analyze new futures contracts and compliance with the Commodity Exchange Act. She also has experience working on overseas development projects for an economic consulting firm prior to her time at CFTC and as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Africa. There, she worked as an ag extension agent “and worked with refugee populations to develop income generation projects in agriculture,” according to CFTC.
Tarbert also announced the hiring of Darryl Blakey, who will join CFTC as an associate director in the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. Blakey most recently handled market regulatory issues for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
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