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The International Dairy Foods Association hired Chelsie Keys as senior vice president of government relations. Seth Meyer, USDA's chief economist for nearly five years, will lead the University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute beginning Jan. 1. Luther Markwart, CEO at the American Sugarbeet Growers Association for the past 44 years, will retire at the end of 2026. 

Luther Markwart, CEO and executive vice president at the American Sugarbeet Growers Association for the past 44 years, will retire at the end of 2026, according to an announcement from the group’s board of directors. 

The California Association of Winegrape Growers elected new officers, including John Chandler of Chandler Farms in Selma as chair of the board. Friant Water Authority CEO Jason Phillips announced his intention to step down in January. The Agriculture Workforce Coalition elected American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia as the new coalition co-chairs. Former California Ag Leadership Foundation CEO Dwight Ferguson joined the Vanguard Food LP board of managers. 

The U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council elected Karen Horan from the National Confectioners Association as chair. The Agriculture Workforce Coalition elected American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia as the new coalition co-chairs. The Seed Innovation Protection Alliance tapped Chris Reat as executive director. The U.S. Soybean Export Council hired Randall Wanke as industry affairs manager.

Seth Meyer, USDA's chief economist since 2021, will lead the University of Missouri's Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute beginning in January, according to the school. 

The California Farm Water Coalition named Michelle Paul as executive director. Julia Inestroza was elected as chair of California Citrus Mutual. B. John Lindeman was promoted to president and chief executive officer of Calavo Growers, succeeding Lee E. Cole. Ellie Gilchrist was promoted to communications director in the office of Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif.  The U.S. Meat Export Federation elected Jay Theiler from Agri Beef Company as chair. 

Former Department of Government Efficiency staffer Sam Berry is now chief information officer at the Agriculture Department, replacing Gary Washington. The U.S. Meat Export Federation elected new officers, including Jay Theiler of Agri Beef Company as chair. Ed Patru  joined American Beverage as senior vice president of public affairs. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., named Nathan Mark legislative director. The Animal Ag Alliance announced new board leadership, including Nick Wolfenden of Cargill as board chairperson.

Rob Vandenheuvel started his new role as president and chief executive officer at California Dairies after a transition period with Brad Anderson, the group's former CEO. David Bernstein, former chair of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association, died Oct. 22. Corynn Wolf was appointed to the 16th District Agricultural Association Mid State Fair Board. The Clean Energy Buyers Association hired Thomas Green as manager of government affairs. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers selected Ryan “Cal” Callaghan as the group’s next president and CEO. 

Jordan Bonfitto, former senior adviser to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, joined Invariant’s food and agriculture practice. Dustin Winston was promoted to director of U.S. dairy business development at StoneX Group. Lindl Government Affairs hired Brad Copenhaver as a full-time director of client development. The National Pork Producers Council hired Kyle Garner as manager of congressional affairs.

The Kern County Water Agency named Eric Averett as the next general manager. Calstart, a zero-emission vehicle industry consortium, named former auto industry executive Michael Berube as chief executive officer. Consalo Family Farms hired Judy Spires as chair of retail strategy and industry relations. The American Feed Industry Association hired Megan Provost as chief operating officer. James Miller, administrator of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, is leaving USDA for a role at the Department of Health and Human Services.