Kailee Tkacz Buller has been named the first female to serve as president and CEO of the National Oilseed Processors Association, filling the vacancy left by the departure of longtime leader Tom Hammer.
Tkacz Buller most recently served as president and CEO of the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils (ISEO), a position she held for three years. Her career also includes various roles at USDA during the Trump administration, concluding her time at USDA as chief of staff to Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky.
At the department, she played “pivotal roles during the negotiations and implementation of the 2018 farm bill and was a key renewable fuels advocate at the highest levels of government,” NOPA said in a release announcing her role.
NOPA Chair Diego Rasteletti, who also serves as the president of Bunge North America, called Tkacz Buller a “proven force” and “incredibly well-respected” by those in the food and agriculture supply chain as well as on Capitol Hill.
“Her energy, passion, get it done attitude and strategic experience comes at one of the most exciting and dynamic times in the history of the oilseed industry for renewable diesel and meal export expansion,” Rasteletti said in a statement. “Kailee will no doubt continue to build on the tremendous legacy laid by Tom with a future-focused and pro-growth mindset.”
Tkacz Buller's career also includes stops at the Corn Refiners Association, Snack Food Association and National Grocers Association.
She will assume the role on December 18, 2023; Hammer will transition away from NOPA, where he has been the president and CEO since 2001.
Rasteletti also thanked Hammer for his “leadership guiding NOPA through an array of issues and challenges the industry faced through the years.”
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Hammer expressed gratitude for his time at NOPA, but also noted plans to stay involved in the industry.
“During my twenty-plus years, I believe that I have made a lasting contribution to the strength and resilience of the U.S. oilseed processing industry,” Hammer said. “I am excited to open a new chapter where I can continue to use my knowledge, expertise, strategic skills and expansive network to address the many challenges and opportunities facing our rapidly growing industry.”
NOPA members produce meal and oil from soybeans, canola, flaxseed, safflower seed and sunflower seed at 68 plants in 21 states. The sector could stand to benefit from planned expansions of processing facilities to meet anticipated demand from the growth of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, among other demand channels.
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