Ag policy veteran and current National Council of Farmer Cooperatives leader Chuck Conner announced Monday he will retire as the group's president and CEO at the end of 2025. The group is launching a search for his successor.
Conner, who served as a White House ag policy adviser and deputy agriculture secretary in the George W. Bush administration, has led NCFC for over 15 years, overseeing the organization’s federal advocacy for nearly 2,000 local farmer cooperatives and 17 state and regional councils of cooperatives.
“Throughout his tenure, Chuck's leadership has guided the NCFC in adapting to the evolving needs of our member cooperatives and farmers,” said NCFC Board Chair Jay Debertin. “He has guided NCFC to remain a relevant and influential organization."
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During a long career on Capitol Hill, Conner spent 17 years in the office of then-Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana before becoming Republican staff director on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Conner held that position for more than 12 years, including during Lugar’s tenure as chairman.
Agri-Pulse's Philip Brasher interviews Chuck Conner at the Great American Farm Fair event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention. Conner later led the Corn Refiners Association for four years, from 1997 to 2001, before joining the Bush administration.
Conner and his wife Dru have four grown children and ten grandchildren.
Kincannon & Reed will lead a national search for Conner’s successor. Anyone who wants to suggest a candidate or is interested in the president and CEO role can contact David Turner, managing partner with Kincannon & Reed, at NCFCCEOSearch@krsearch.com.
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