After leading the organization for seven years, Barb Glenn, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, announced she will retire from her position this fall.
“It has been an honor to serve state agriculture departments and amplify their united voice in Washington, D.C. NASDA members are uniquely positioned to lead agriculture toward a healthy and resilient world, and I am extremely proud of the member value NASDA’s team has created during my time,” Glenn said. “Over 40 years, I’ve been fortunate to work among some of the best and brightest in the industry, and nothing is more fulfilling than knowing that we will continue ‘onward and upward’ in our pursuit to serve American farmers, ranchers and communities.”
Glenn has spent her entire career serving the agriculture community through her research, advocacy, leadership and volunteer work.
Prior to NASDA, Glenn received her Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition from the University of Kentucky. She began her career as a scientist with USDA's Agricultural Research Service, discovering solutions for feeding dairy cattle in the laboratory for nearly 20 years. Moving from the lab to advocacy work in governmental relations, she joined the Biotechnology Innovation Organization as managing director of animal biotechnology, food and agriculture in Washington, D.C. She later moved on to CropLife America in 2010 and led its science and regulatory affairs as senior vice president for four years, before coming to NASDA in the role of CEO.
“Dr. Glenn holds a wealth of professional expertise and experience in agricultural policy, regulatory challenges and agricultural research. She used her unique perspective to advocate for resources for state departments of agriculture and strengthen our national agriculture and food policy,” said NASDA President and Kentucky Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles.
Throughout her career, Glenn has been selected by multiple presidential administrations to serve on the USDA and USTR Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. She’s been an active National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research board member since 2016 and was the first woman president for the American Society of Animal Science.
Glenn will stay on as CEO until the early fall of 2021 and will help oversee the transition of her successor. After her retirement, she plans to stay involved in various facets of the ag industry.
“After I retire as NASDA CEO, I plan to stay involved with agriculture and continue my volunteer work with the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation Board, the Howard County Maryland 4-H Foundation Board and chairing the Maryland Farm Bureau Agriculture Education and Extension Committee," she said. "Above all, I look forward to cherishing more time with family and life on Glenn Family Farm.”
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