Longtime agriculture advocate Sam Kieffer is the new CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers.
Kieffer, who has been vice president of public policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation since January 2021, will assume his new role at NAWG Nov. 1. He replaces Chandler Goule, who left NAWG in July.
Kieffer has worked on farm policy for more than 20 years. Before joining AFBF, the Pennsylvania native was at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for 16 years, completing his time at PFB with four years as chief administrative officer.
“I’m honored to join NAWG at such a pivotal time for wheat growers across the country,” Kieffer said in a news release issued by NAWG on Thursday. “Having grown up on a farm, it has been a privilege to dedicate my career to serving farmers and I’m proud to champion their cause in this new role. I look forward to working alongside NAWG’s dedicated members, board and staff to tackle challenges and ensure a bright future for farm families and rural America.”
NAWG President Pat Clements said Kieffer "brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of both the policy landscape and the needs of wheat growers. We’re excited to welcome him as CEO and are confident farmers will be well served by his thoughtful leadership and strong voice in Washington, D.C., and beyond. We’re grateful to Eric Steiner for his service as our Interim CEO.”
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While at AFBF, Kieffer "oversaw strategic advocacy initiatives impacting federal legislation and regulatory frameworks across the agriculture sector," according to NAWG.
Kieffer was raised on his family’s grain and beef cattle farm and has served as an officer in the U.S. Army and Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Dickinson College, a master’s in public administration from Widener University, and an MBA from Delaware Valley University.
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