ICGA Announces Leadership Change

January 20, 2022
Four men in suits and shirts are standing next to each other in a room.

Today, the IL Corn Growers Association named Matt Rush, a Fairfield, IL farmer, the new Vice President of the association. Rush will serve until November 2022 after Terry Smith of Clayton, IL was unable to complete his term as Vice President. “We’re thrilled to have Matt step in as Vice President, says Marty Marr, ICGA President, “We will benefit from his leadership and strategic thinking skills.”
 

During his six-year tenure on the ICGA Board of Directors, Smith served as Industrial Committee Chair, Exports Committee Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. He also served a term on the Market Development Action Team for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) from 2020-2021 and the NCGA Feed, Food and Industrial Action team in 2019. The association is extremely grateful for Smith’s contribution to Illinois corn farmers, specifically his extensive knowledge of ethanol issues and thanks him for his service.

The shift caused other leadership changes for the association. Don Guinnip of Marshall steps up as Chair of the Industrial Committee, Kate Danner of Aledo will serve as Chair of the Exports Committee and Dave Rylander of Victoria will serve as Chair of the Grassroots Committee. Joe Murphy of Harrisburg will remain Secretary and Mark Bunselmeyer of Maroa will remain Treasurer.

 

ICGA is left with a vacancy in District 9, serving farmers in Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, Pike, and Schuyler Counties. Members who are interested in serving on the IL Corn Growers Association Board from one of these counties can express their interest by calling or emailing the IL Corn office at 309-846-6622 or kgallagher@ilcorn.org. 

Pictured above from left to right. Mark Bunselmeyer, Marty Marr, Matt Rush, Joe Murphy.

Award winners from 2025 ICGA Annual Meeting
By Lindsay Croke • October 30, 2026
IL Corn's Annual Meeting to be Held 11/24
collin and jared
By Brownfield & Tara • October 29, 2026
Illinois FFA State VP Collin Johnson shares how the IL Corn checkoff partnership builds the next generation of ag advocates.
Sharon Chung, Gracie Pierson, and Rod Weinzierl
By Lyndi Allen • October 29, 2026
IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) connected with lawmakers and candidates this month through farm visits, renewable fuel events and bioeconomy investments.
sky
By Aerterra and Tara Desmond • October 29, 2026
Illinois ranks 48th for air quality but indoor air is often worse. See how corn-based ethanol and PLA air filters help Illinois breathe easier.
picture of corn at harvest
By Tara Desmond • October 29, 2026
6 Illinois farmers share memories during harvest
Rep. Eric Sorensen hosting an E15 press event with IL Corn and Illinois Farm Bureau
By Lyndi Allen • October 29, 2026
Illinois drivers face higher gas prices than the national average. Learn how ethanol and year-round E15 access could lower costs, support farmers, and boost demand for Illinois corn.
Show More