IL Corn is pleased to continue representing the legislative interests of its members by welcoming Rachel Dame as the organization’s Public Policy Manager. Dame will heighten membership’s visibility in Washington D.C. and Springfield, specifically building relationships with Illinois’s northeastern delegation.

Dame’s experiences in agricultural policy include her time as a contract lobbyist for Faegre Drinker Law Firm and the Agriculture, Transportation, and Tribal Affairs Policy Advisor for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Dame most recently served as a Policy Advisor for the Illinois Commerce Commission.

“Throughout my career, my greatest moments of passion came when working in agriculture policy, specifically while representing farmer interests at the Capitol,” Dame said. “I like the bipartisan nature that can come with agriculture policy. The role at IL Corn combined my passion for agriculture and government relations, which made the job a perfect fit.”

Originally from the home of the Krispy Kreme donut, Winston-Salem, N.C., Dame became interested in agriculture while taking a Food Science class at N.C. State University. She said the­ class allowed her to see every American’s daily connection to agriculture.

After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with a minor in Theater Arts from the N.C. State University, Dame worked for the U.S. Olympic Committee. “As much as I enjoyed my time in sports management, my greatest moments of passion came from working with local, state, and international governments to organize events.” Her interest in policy led Dame to pursue a Master’s Degree in public policy from the University of Minnesota. Following her graduation, Dame also started a Fullbright grant in Albania where she researched the impact of European Union policies on developing democracies.

As she begins her role, Dame said she is enthused to grow IL Corn’s presence in Chicago. “I believe the statistic is approximately 66% of Illinois legislators can see Sears Tower from their home,” she said. “I want these legislators to understand that agriculture is an economic driver for our state, and IL Corn plays an important role in keeping, not only Illinois, but the country’s food supply chain running.”

In addition to her work life, Dame volunteers at Mercy Homes Boys and Girls youth shelter where she recently raised over $1950 for the non-profit running the Chicago Marathon. She is also a dog fan, an avid reader, and always in search of the best cheeseburger in Illinois.