Dr. James Mintert Director, Center for Commercial Agriculture, Purdue University

Transcription

1 Dr. James Mintert Director, Center for Commercial Agriculture, Purdue University James Mintert is a professor and extension economist in Purdue s Department of Agricultural Economics and serves as director of the Center for Commercial Agriculture. In addition to his responsibilities with the Center, Dr. Mintert teaches an undergraduate class on commodity risk management. Prior to joining the Purdue faculty, Jim was a professor and livestock marketing economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University for over two decades. He holds bachelors and master s degrees in agricultural economics from Purdue and a doctorate from the University of Missouri. After earning his bachelor s degree from Purdue Jim was a Farm Management Officer for Chicago s Northern Trust Company, managing grain and livestock farms in Illinois and Indiana. Jim acquired his interest in agriculture while working on his family's farm in the Mississippi and Missouri river bottoms, just north of St. Louis, Missouri. Recently, Jim has focused his attention on developing and producing the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, the first sentiment index focused on the U.S. farm sector. Launched in fall 2015, the Ag Economy Barometer draws upon a nationwide monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers to provide insight into producers perspective on economic conditions in the U.S. farm sector. Dr. Michael Gunderson Professor and Director, Center for Food and Agricultural Business, Purdue University Michael Gunderson is passionate about agriculture and improving the management competencies of agribusiness professionals. He is committed to lifelong learning and professional development. He conducts research that aims to improve the efficiency of the food and agribusiness value chain, recognizing that the chain

2 is only strong if all links are. Mike enjoys tackling issues at the intersection of growing a sustainable food supply profitably. He has published in peer-reviewed journals, trade magazines and in the press. As director, Mike provides strategic direction for all of the center's faculty, staff and programs; develops and teaches open-enrollment and custom programs; and teaches both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. He has taught over 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students and more than 2,000 agribusiness professionals in executive education seminars. He has been recognized by the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, the North American Teachers and Colleges of Agriculture, the UF College of Agricultural Life Sciences, Purdue University and the Southern Agricultural Economics Association for his outstanding teaching. Mike earned his doctorate from Purdue in 2006 and holds a master's degree in agricultural economics from Cornell University and a bachelor's degree in agribusiness, farm and financial management from the University of Illinois. He is married to Alee Lynch Gunderson. They enjoy going on hikes with their children, Jarvis, Alma and Elodee, and their two dogs, as well as following college sports and traveling internationally. Laura James Manager, Global Agribusiness and Food, EY

3 Ryan Klapperich National Sales Director, Winfield United Ryan leads the Eastern Business Unit for Winfield United where he is responsible for commercial sales of Seed, Crop Protection and Plant Nutrition and Performance. Winfield United is committed to Advancing Agriculture Intelligently. With the transformation of digital technology, Winfield United brings unique services, platforms and insights that put locally owned retailers and cooperatives in a position to create and capture value. Previously, he served as the National Sales Director Plant Nutrition and Performance. In addition, he led the marketing team for United Suppliers and served in several sales related roles at Syngenta, Heartland Agri- Supply and AGCO. Ryan has a bachelor s degree in business management from the University of Northern Iowa. Ryan lives in Osage, IA with his wife Bridget and their three children. Todd Janzen Janzen Ag Law After graduating from law school, Todd set out to serve the legal needs of farmers and agribusinesses. Over the years, Todd has served in a number of leadership roles with the intent to bring agriculture and the law together. President, Janzen Agricultural Law LLC Administrator, Ag Data Transparent project (current) Chair, American Bar Association's Agricultural Management Committee ( ) Chair, Indiana State Bar Association's Agricultural Law Section, ( ) Board Member, Counsel for Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST) ( )

4 Graduate, Indiana s Agricultural Leadership Program ( ) Legal Representative, Indiana Agricultural Regulatory Structure Task Force (2008) General Counsel, Indiana Dairy Producers (2009- current) Board Member, Fair Oaks Pig Adventure (2017- current) Mike Templeton Mike Steenhoek Executive Director, Soy Transportation Coalition Mike Steenhoek is executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC), an initiative established in 2007 and comprised of the United Soybean Board, the American Soybean Association, and thirteen state soybean boards. The Soy Transportation Coalition exists to promote a cost effective, reliable, and competitive transportation system that serves the agriculture industry. As executive director of the STC, Mike s responsibilities include communicating the initiative and the importance of transportation issues to soybean growers and processors; establishing and executing the organization s strategic direction; and building collaborations with other effected industries. Mike is a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce s Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness and the Iowa Department of Transportation s Freight Advisory Council. Prior to his work on the STC, Mike worked for United States Senator Charles Grassley (Iowa) for eight years both in Washington, DC, and most recently in Des Moines, Iowa. In Washington, DC, Mike served as the Senator s scheduler and frequent speechwriter. In Des Moines, Mike served as Senator Grassley s director of economic development.

5 Mike received both his undergraduate degree and his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Iowa. Pam Fisher Director of Economic Development and Special Initiatives, INDOT In her role, Fisher is responsible for assessing INDOT's role in economic development opportunities that will further advance the state s economy. Serve as agency liaison with businesses, site consultants, and state and local economic development officials. Al Deasy Marketing Director, Consumer Products, CSX Pat Miller Director of State Government Affairs, American Seed Trade Association With ASTA since 2007, Pat works with state and regional seed industry associations to monitor seed-related state initiatives and to assist with legislative, regulatory and grassroots activities. He also directs ASTA s Seed Advocate program, informing and mobilizing seed industry activists. A 25-year veteran of the ag industry, Pat formerly ran an association management firm and counted among his clients the Texas Ag Industries Association; the Texas Certified Crop Advisers program; the Texas Plant Protection Conference; the Texas Independent Ag Consultants Association; and the Texas Agricultural Aviation Association. Pat holds a B.A. in marketing from the University of North Texas.

6 Harry Wilmoth Director, Indiana State Grain Buyers and Warehousing Licensing Agency Harry Wilmoth is the director of the Indiana State Grain Buyers and Warehousing Licensing Agency. Wilmoth grew up on a commercial beef cattle operation in Gentry, Ark. He was an active member in FFA and 4-H, and showed swine and beef cattle at the local, state and national levels. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor s degree in Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences in 2011 and a master s degree in Agricultural Economics in Previous to ISDA, Wilmoth was in charge of commodity feed purchasing for a fully integrated chicken company. He also worked for three years with the Andersons as a Senior Account Representative. Ben Wicker Executive Director, Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance Ben Wicker is the executive director of the Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance (IANA), a partnership of agriculture groups, government agencies and academia working to improve soil health and nutrient management practices. Wicker holds a bachelor s degree in agronomy and crop science from Purdue University and is an active member of his family s diversified grain, forage and cattle operation in Rush County. Before assuming this role, Wicker held positions as an independent crop consultant and agronomist, and spent time with Indiana Pork Producers as the director of producer outreach. Most recently, Wicker held the position of agribusiness specialist at The Nature Conservancy where he worked with agribusinesses to expand services that promote nutrient management and soil health.

7 Sandra Perry Partner, Labor and Employment Group, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP Sandra Perry is a partner in the Labor and Employment Group, representing national, regional and local clients in labor and employment related matters and litigation. She has extensive experience counseling, training and assisting employers in all aspects of compliance with federal and state employment laws, including discharge, harassment claims and investigations, disability and reasonable accommodation issues, Family and Medical Leave Act compliance, wage and hour audits and compliance, non-compete agreements, trade secrets protection, executive compensation and severance, alternative dispute resolution, personnel policies and procedures, OSHA investigations, state law wage claims, common law claims, immigration, and other federal and state employment laws. Ms. Perry represents employers in litigated matters in federal and state court and before federal and state administrative agencies. She also represents management in traditional labor law matters, including union avoidance, unfair labor practice investigations and litigation, and union representation proceedings. Corey Wilson Associate Vice President, Professional Edge Center, University of Indianapolis Corey Wilson is associate vice president of the Professional Edge Center at the University of Indianapolis. The center helps students and recent graduates launch their careers by linking them with opportunities for mentoring, networking, internships and rewarding careers. Prior to working for the University of Indianapolis, Wilson worked with the Indianapolis Airport Authority, most recently in a dual role as director of supplier diversity and director of IND AeroVision, spearheading economic development efforts in the area surrounding Indianapolis International Airport. His previous posts have included constituent relations director for the

8 Lieutenant Governor of Indiana and program manager for the Marion County Health Department. Wendy Dant Chesser President and CEO, One Southern Indiana In November 2012, Wendy Dant Chesser joined One Southern Indiana (1si) as the organization s third President and CEO. Driven by a strong desire to implement change that would establish stronger economic growth, a better educated and better paid workforce and a structure of advocacy within the State of Indiana, 1si serves as the organization that speaks with one vision and one voice for Clark and Floyd counties. Its mission is to provide the connections, resources and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the region. Wendy came to back to her home area after serving as President of Cornerstone Alliance, a similar organization to 1si in Southwest Michigan. Wendy s role in leading the organization included serving as a Trustee of the 530-acre Harbor Shores development and directing the 700-member Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her move to Michigan, she worked in various aspects of economic development for over seven years with the State of Indiana, and spent the last year of her government career as Deputy Executive Director for Program Operations of the Indiana Department of Commerce. Wendy is a present or past member of several professional organizations, including the International Economic Development Council and economic development organizations in both Indiana and Michigan, and currently serves as a Director and Legislative Committee Chair for the Indiana Economic Development Association. She has been active in several Big Brother Big Sisters organizations as a volunteer mentor and board member. She has volunteered in United Way activities and has coached youth volleyball and basketball teams.

9 Bryon Silk Executive Director of Business Services, Indiana Department of Workforce Development Casey Brewster Principal, Scottsburg High School Dennis Hicks Principal, Assurance Services, CliftonLarsonAllen With more than 30 years of experience, Dennis has extensive knowledge in serving the agribusiness and distribution industries with a focus on animal agriculture. Dennis specializes in auditing, accounting, reporting, merger and acquisition services and agribusiness taxation. TECHNICAL EXPERTISE Assists clients with various business advisory services including mergers and acquisitions, risk management and business structure Serves as a technical review partner for unassociated engagements across the firm Specializes in animal agriculture with a focus in pork producers, feed manufacturers and dairy related entities Audits of agribusiness related and wholesale distributors ranging from $5 million in sales to $500 million in sales