WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2013- Michael Torrey Associates today announced that the government relations and association management firm welcomed Tara Smith as Vice President on August 12.

In her role as Vice President of Federal Affairs, Smith will provide legislative and policy guidance and representation to clients representing the food, agriculture, and financial services industries. Since 2005, Michael Torrey Associates has provided government relations and association management services to a variety of clients in the agriculture, food and beverage, and financial services industries.

"We are pleased to welcome Tara to the firm," said firm president Michael Torrey. "Her knowledge of a wide range of issues and expertise at navigating the political process will help us continue to serve our clients effectively."

Smith was most recently Senior Professional Staff for the Senate Agriculture Committee where she was responsible for commodity programs, crop insurance and disaster assistance. Her past work experience also includes roles with a variety of agricultural stakeholders, including the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Smith grew up on a corn and soybean farm in central Illinois, has a bachelor's degree in political science from Davidson College in North Carolina and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

#30

For more news go to www.agri-pulse.com