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Agri-Pulse is pleased to announce the promotion of Paige Dye to circulation & strategic communications manager. In her new role, Dye will lead audience development, data systems management and strategic communications to support the firm’s national growth.

The California Walnut Board hired Saarah Kuzay as director of research and technical affairs. Leticia Palamidessi was appointed assistant secretary for communications at the California Natural Resources Agency. David Silva of Buellton was appointed to the California Air Resources Board. The National Council of Agricultural Employers promoted Susan Lester to director of external affairs and operations. David Hinojosa has been named CEO of Heritage Grocers Group.

The American Frozen Food Institute hired Lisa Van Doren as chief of government affairs.Feeding America named Rebeckah Freeman Adcock as chief government relations officer. Susan Lester was promoted to director of external affairs and operations at the National Council of Agricultural Employers.

John Bode, president and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, will retire in January 2027. He has been a driving leader in food and agriculture policy during his decades-long career in Washington. 

Orion Samuelson, a legendary farm broadcaster known for his iconic voice and ability to distill complex farm topics into relatable news for urban audiences, died on March 16. He was just about two weeks short of his 92^nd birthday.

The California Retailers Association made staff promotions for Sarah Pollo Moo and Ryan Allain. Alexa Fox, who worked for Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., for the past nearly 10 years, joined Monument Advocacy as vice president on the food and agriculture team. Kristin Heidelbach is now vice president of government and public affairs at cannabis retail company, Embarc. Jenica Maldonado, a labor and employment attorney in California, rejoined Hanson Bridgett LLP as a partner in the employer services section. Longtime Sierra Club leader Michael Brune launched a climate change-focused investment and philanthropy fund called Clean Break. Audra Weeks, who was deputy chief of staff for policy at the Agriculture Department, departed USDA.

Alexa Fox joined Monument Advocacy as vice president on the food and agriculture team. Audra Weeks, who was deputy chief of staff for policy at the Agriculture Department, departed USDA. Barbara O’Brien, president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc., announced that she will retire this fall. Caroline Rydell is leaving the Farm Credit Bank of Texas to begin a role with Texas A&M AgriLife Office of Federal Relations. 

Casey Creamer has departed as president and CEO of California Citrus Mutual. In a release from the group, board of directors chair Julia Inestroza said, “I am writing to share that California Citrus Mutual and Casey Creamer have parted ways, effective February 11, 2026. We appreciate his service to our industry and wish him the best in his future endeavors. … Our day-to-day operations will continue under the direction of our experienced staff, and the Board has begun the process of identifying CCM's next leader.” 

The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives announced staff changes. Lisa Van Doren, vice president and chief of staff, is leaving. Justin Darisse has been promoted to vice president of strategy and external affairs. Zach Gihorski was promoted to senior director of government affairs. The International Dairy Foods Association hired Adam Tarr as vice president of legislative affairs. Syngenta and American Seed Trade Association Chairman Dave Treinen, head of GreenLeaf Genetics at Syngenta, are leaving the organization.

Luke Lindberg, USDA’s undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, is a leading contender to become executive director of the UN World Food Program, the world’s largest aid organization, sources tell Agri-Pulse.