Q: You’ve been with IL Corn for over 20 years - what first brought you here, and what’s kept you here all this time?
A: I was serving as an administrative assistant for Illinois Farm Bureau when a new position at IL Corn opened up. I was drawn to the opportunity to work for and better understand a commodity checkoff, as well as to build my advocacy acumen, a seed that was planted at IFB. I’m still here because I love the work, I feel like I’m making a difference, and spend every day with colleagues and farmer-leaders that feel like family.
Q:How has IL Corn changed over the years, and what’s something that has stayed constant through it all?
A: We’ve grown a bit in every direction since I started – we’re managing a lot more projects, we’re involved in a lot more issues, and we have the staff we need to do all of that effectively. Twenty years ago, we didn’t have social media or a website. Today, I am really proud of our online presence and the way we deliver information. Our
social accounts, our
website,
IL Corn TV, and even the printed pieces we send are sharing important information and I think farmers are reading, watching, and listening. Another change is that I remember discussing conservation practices much less 20+ years ago and now we have a full
Precision Conservation Management team and a conservation policy director as well!
What has stayed the same is the focus on Illinois corn farmers. If there’s one thing that farmers really need to understand about IL Corn, it’s that every single decision we make is focused on delivering solutions back to the farm. Our staff are watching political activity and getting involved if we see a way to bring value back to the farm. We conduct programming only if we think there’s value for farm families at the conclusion. The work that we do only happens if it will mean something for Illinois corn farmers when the work is finished. Every program is evaluated in this way.
Q:What’s a project or moment from your time here that you’re especially proud of?
A: There really have been so many great moments, but I think I’m most proud of the
We Are the 96% campaign. I love so many things about what we did with that campaign: we worked together with our partners and united with one message, we focused on farm families that are the backbone of our industry, we shared really important information with our neighbors who genuinely want to know more about farmers and farming. This was an amazing, award-winning campaign and I’m elated I got to be involved.
Q:What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you outside of work?
A: I’m an introvert. I have learned how to be outgoing and I’m not nervous to chat with people one-on-one or to give a presentation in front of many, but at the end of the day, I need some alone time to recharge.
Q: Favorite book?
A: Gone with the Wind
