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Farm Hands on the Potomac: Gonzalez to lead IPFA communications, Keppen to depart Family Farm Alliance

10/09/24 6:00 AM By Lydia Johnson

Working Lands for Wildlife tapped Tanner Swank as great plains grasslands biome manager. Family Farm Alliance executive director Dan Keppen will step down from the position at the organization’s annual meeting in October 2025.

Sarah Gonzalez departed from her role at the National Grain and Feed Association to lead communications and public affairs at the International Fresh Produce Association. The National Pork Producers Council added Jake Sterle to staff as director of industry resource development. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise promoted Leah McPhearson to legislative assistant to cover agriculture, food and animal portfolio areas. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: Jake Li from EPA to FWS; new NASDA leaders; Hartman begins NCGA presidency

10/02/24 6:00 AM By Lydia Johnson

Jake Li, who has led EPA’s efforts to comply with the Endangered Species Act, is moving to the Fish and Wildlife Service where he will take a lead role on endangered species conservation. NASDA elected new leadership at the group’s annual meeting in Indianapolis, including tapping Arkansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward as the 2024-2025 president. 

Illinois farmer Kenny Hartman assumed the role of NCGA president on Oct. 1. Whit Fosburgh joined the National Fish and Wildlife as chief development officer. Patty Cormier was elected president of the National Association of State Foresters. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: Kusel joins NFU, Knapke leaves USDA, CropLife elects Dillenbeck

09/25/24 6:00 AM By Lydia Johnson

The National Farmers Union has named Chase Kusel director of communications. Anne Knapke joined the Meridian Institute as a senior director. She has been at USDA since 2021. 

FMC president Darren Dillenbeck was elected to a two-year team as chair of the CropLife America board of directors. Fifth-generation Colorado rancher Tim Canterbury was elected president of the Public Lands Council. Torrey Advisory Group hired Grace Walker as a member and events manager. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: John Newton joins Terrain, Hurst appointed USTR ag adviser, Blakey joins BASF, Scott to lead Vermont Law food and ag practice

09/18/24 6:00 AM By Lydia Johnson

Former Senate Ag Committee chief economist John Newton is joining Terrain where he will lead a team of economists and analysts. Jamila Thompson was appointed chief of staff and Jon Hurst was promoted to special advisor for agriculture for United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

Darryl Blakey joined BASF as manager of government affairs. Emma Scott was appointed director of the food and agriculture clinic at Vermont Law and Graduate School. The Conservation Lands Foundation tapped Chris Hill as CEO. The World Shipping Council appointed Tamekia Flack as director of U.S. government relations. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: Newton leaves Senate Ag, USGC staff promotions, Humphreys departs USB

09/11/24 6:00 AM By Lydia Johnson

Tuesday was John Newton's last day as the chief economist for the Senate Agriculture Committee under ranking member John Boozman of Arkansas. Bob Petersen will retire from Petersen Consulting, the firm he founded in 2004. Erica Venancio, the firm’s senior executive, will assume leadership of the firm.  

After 13 years, Lisa Humphreys’ time at the United Soybean Board came to an “unexpected and abrupt halt,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post. The U.S. Grains Council has added staff and made multiple promotions: Burhan Chaudhry, Juan Diaz, Sam Clemence, Lucas Rudy and Sam Redfern. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: CBA Staff Appointments, Promotions

09/04/24 6:00 AM By Lydia Johnson

The International Dairy Foods Association promoted Matt Herrick to executive vice president and chief impact officer. Stetson Bryson will join the National Pork Producers Council as manager of congressional relations. POET LLC hired Paige Lindgren as director of public affairs. The American Agricultural Law Association announced the group’s incoming board members: Ashley Ellixson as president-elect as well as Chelsea Good and Kale Van Bruggen as directors.

    The Consumer Brands Association announced staff hires and changes: Erin Raden, Jonathon Bridgeman, Jennifer Smith and Olivia Cipriano were added to staff. Sarah Gallo and John Hewittwere both promoted.


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    Farm Hands on the Potomac: USDA GOP veterans endorse Harris; France elected NSP chair; Starmann joins ABA; Davidson departs Beer Institute for NTF

    08/28/24 6:00 AM By Lydia Johnson
    Amy France was elected chairwoman of the National Sorghum Producers board of directors at the board’s annual meeting.Garret Love, Barry Evans, and Dustin Borden were also elected as new board members. Allison Starmann joined the American Beverage Association as general counsel and executive vice president of legal and regulatory affairs.


    Stephanie Pizzoferrato joined CropLife America as director of state government relations. ICYMI: Rod Snyder departed from his post as top agriculture adviser at the Environmental Protection Agency.
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