Meet Jon Hurst: IL Corn’s Public Policy Manager

IL Corn is excited to spotlight Jon Hurst as our Public Policy Manager, focused on building relationships with legislators in the Chicagoland area. With a strong background in agricultural policy and trade, Jon brings valuable experience that will help amplify Illinois corn farmers’ voices at both the state and national levels.

Jon’s Background in Ag Policy

Before joining IL Corn, Jon worked for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as a Special Advisor, where he provided guidance to Ambassador Doug McKalip and Ambassador Katherine Tai on agricultural trade issues. Prior to that, he served at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working under Secretary Tom Vilsack in the Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Office of the Deputy Secretary.

Jon is a Vanderbilt University graduate with a degree in Public Policy and originally hails from Eastern Pennsylvania. Now, he’s settling into life in Chicago with his fiancée Val, their dog Daisy, and their cat Fiona—and he’s ready to get to work for Illinois farmers.

Fun Facts About Jon

To help you get to know Jon better, we asked him a few fun questions:

What’s a random fun fact about you?
I’m fluent in Spanish and an avid guitar player.

If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A good corn-fed ribeye with a side of crispy roasted potatoes.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
“Rock N’ Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” – AC/DC

What’s one thing on your bucket list you’re determined to check off?
Having sushi in Japan.

What are you most excited about with joining IL Corn?
Getting to support all the communities that depend on corn production, from downstate Illinois to Chicago.

Jon’s passion for agriculture, trade, and public policy will make him a great advocate for Illinois corn farmers. We’re thrilled to have him on board and can’t wait for you to meet him.