Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has announced he will not be seeking reelection and will be departing Capitol Hill at the end of the year, ending his term early. Republican Assemblymember Vince Fong of Bakersfield, California, has announced he will run for McCarthy’s seat. He has vowed to defend the Central Valley’s water and energy resources and “end the chaos on the southern border” if elected. He has served as vice chair of the Budget Committee and pledged to oppose any new taxes and “reckless spending that has fueled inflation.” McCarthy endorsed Fong on Tuesday..
Robert Guenther has started his own firm — Breakthrough365 Government Relations Strategies. Guenther previously worked at the International Fresh Produce Association, the former United Fresh Produce Association. He has more than 30 years of experience in government affairs, including working as an aide on the House Ag Committee.
Robert Guenther, Breakthrough365 Government Relations StrategiesJohn Crowley has been tapped as the next president and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, effective March 4. Crowley is a co-founder and executive chairman at Amicus Therapeutics. He will succeed Rachel King, who has been serving as the interim CEO for the past year after the 2022 departure of former CWO Michelle McMurry-Heath.
Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has announced he will not be seeking reelection and will be departing Capitol Hill at the end of the year, ending his term early. Republican Assemblymember Vince Fong of Bakersfield, California, has announced he will run for McCarthy’s seat. He has vowed to defend the Central Valley’s water and energy resources and “end the chaos on the southern border” if elected. He has served as vice chair of the Budget Committee and pledged to oppose any new taxes and “reckless spending that has fueled inflation.” McCarthy endorsed Fong on Tuesday.
Kailee Tkacz Buller has been named the first female to serve as president and CEO of the National Oilseed Processors Association. She replaces Tom Hammer, who is departing after holding the role since 2001. Tkacz Buller most recently headed up the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils (ISEO), a position she held for three years. Before that, she worked for the Department of Agriculture, where she was the chief of staff to Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky.
Kevin McGilton is the new CEO of Riceland Foods. He has been with Riceland for 20 years, most recently as the vice president of government affairs and chief of staff. Before that, he worked for the USA Rice Federation as the director of government affairs.
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Bryant Trick has been selected to serve as the assistant United States Trade Representative for Europe and the Middle East, after serving in an interim role since September. He has been with USTR for the last 15 years, previously was the deputy assistant United States Trade Representative for Korea in the Office of Japan, Korea, and APEC Affairs.
Nicholas Storer has moved to the American Sugarbeet Growers Association as the vice president of science and innovation. He most recently served as the stewardship and regulatory director for Corteva Agriscience. He joins the Sugarbeet team at the beginning of the new year.
Kurt Kistler has been brought on to Calavo Growers as the new vice president of sales for tomatoes and papaya. He previously worked at Charlie’s Produce and brings over 25 years of experience in the fresh produce industry. He has also worked at Taylor Farms and UNFI.
Animal Agriculture Alliance has brought on Logan Hall as its new director of membership and marketing. He previously worked at the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, where he was the marketing communications manager. Before that, he worked as a 4-H extension educator and was the deputy communications director for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Amelia Iliohan has been hired as the associate director of events and member engagement at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. She previously worked at the U.S. Grains Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Steve Van Duyn has been elected to serve as the new chairman of the Blue Diamond Growers board. He succeeds Dan Cummings, who has been in that capacity for the last 17 years. Van Duyn is a Blue Diamond grower and has served on Blue Diamond Growers’ board of directors since 2005. Since 2021 he has served as vice chair. He is the owner, president, and CEO of Van Duyn Family Farms in Ripon, Calif. Kent Stenderup was elected as the board’s new vice chair.
Greg Groenewold, a principal in the family-owned Groenewold Fur and Wool, died Dec. 5 after a 25-year battle with multiple sclerosis. He was 63. Groenewold was selected recently for the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Wool Excellence Award. The award will be presented posthumously at the ASI annual convention in Denver.
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