New hires, promotions, retirements
Cargill announces CFO transitionCargill announced Jan. 9 that Jamie Miller will step down as chief financial officer to accept an opportunity outside the company. Joanne Knight will serve as Cargill’s acting CFO. Miller will leave Cargill on Jan. 13, 2023.Knight currently serves as vice president of finance for Cargill’s agriculture supply chain enterprise, which includes Ocean Transportation and the World Trading Group. Before Cargill, Knight spent 10 years in finance, marketing, and business leadership roles at General Mills that included P&L responsibility, as well as roles in supply chain finance, sales finance, and financial planning and analysis. Read moreThesing named associate vice president at Select Sires
Brandon Thesing has accepted the role of associate vice president of corporate accounts for Select Sires Inc. Thesing has dedicated nearly 12 years to the Select Sires federation, first working as a key client specialist in Minnesota and most recently as a corporate account manager for the I-29 region. In his new role, he will be responsible for maintaining, growing and developing business relationships.
Thesing has a keen business sense and expert knowledge of genetic and reproductive management. Sizeable operations that span multiple states will benefit from Thesing’s move to this new role. He will work closely with these herds to leverage genetic opportunities and to create cohesive strategies that encompass the entire operation, including satellite facilities. Thesing will also collaborate with Select Sires’ corporate account team and member marketing personnel to best serve the needs of Select Sires’ farmer-owners.Read moreCastro promoted at Brock Grain Systems
Amelia Castro has been named international customer service representative for Brock Grain Systems, according to Steve Homme, business support group manager for the CTB Inc. business unit. In her new position, Castro, who is bilingual, will be engaging with international customers to administer knowledgeable support and foster long term customer relationships.
Castro joined CTB in 2022 working in Brock’s manufacturing plant where she worked in the packaging division. Prior to her employment with CTB, Amelia worked as an inside sales representative at a local industrial equipment manufacturer in Warsaw, Indiana, for over 10 years where she gained experience in customer service and relations, sales, and marketing.A native of Warsaw, Indiana, Castro graduated from Warsaw High School.Read moreNorthside Elevator hires Bryan MergenNorthside Elevator continues to expand and has recently added Bryan Mergen as director of growth. Mergen’s primary responsibility is in shaping growth strategies and implementation for the rapidly expanding business. His purview includes shaping strategic decisions that include service geography, product and service offerings, the competitive environment, market dynamics and more. Additionally, he will be involved in recruitment of key staff, onboarding and training programs.
Mergen is a native of Central Wisconsin and has devoted his career to the dairy industry. Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and has also earned an MBA from the Kelly School of Business and an master’s degree in food and agribusiness from Purdue University. Bryan also has on-farm experience, working directly with producers of all sizes in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas for both Zoetis and Cargill. Read moreNGFA welcomes new vice presidentof legislative and public affairsThe National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) welcomes Stephanie See as the vice president of legislative and public affairs. Stephanie brings 18 years of lobbying experience to NGFA.
“Stephanie will be a great addition to our team, and I look forward to NGFA members getting to know and work with her,” NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert said. “She brings vast experience working in trade associations and lobbying at the federal and state levels. Her experience in agriculture, distribution and logistics, labor, tax, infrastructure and business issues will bring a well-rounded and positive approach to NGFA advocacy and public policy.”
As the senior director of state affairs at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, See managed the strategic direction and oversight of AEM's state government relations program. She developed and executed the 50-state lobbying strategy for AEM while directing a national public affairs campaign on a top legislative issue and managing a $4 million budget. She also worked in advocacy leadership roles at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions as well as Associated Builders and Contractors.Read moreIRFA welcomes new communications managerThe Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is excited to announce Jared Palmer as its new communications manager.
Palmer’s responsibilities will include overseeing IRFA’s social media networks and press communications. Palmer recently worked as a part of the tournament administration for the Principal Charity Classic as an intern, and as a communications intern for IAUMC.Palmer is originally from Dallas Center. He graduated from Iowa State in 2022, where he earned degrees in communication studies and public relations.Read more
