Kayla Gallagher serves as the Director of Operations for IL Corn. Kayla started with the organization in May, 2013. In her role, she manages daily operations for the IL Corn Marketing Board and IL Corn Growers Association. 

She manages all HR functions, IT policies and systems, and works to optimize operational efficiency and productivity for the IL Corn office and board(s) of directors. Kayla manages the livestock portfolio for IL Corn, and owns and operates a cow-calf and feedlot operation in central Illinois. 

Kayla formerly worked in seed corn production for Monsanto. There, she maintained quality data of the DeKalb brand, Channel brand, and Regional brands. During the growing season, she managed field operations including pesticide applications, detasseling operations, and managing field data for the 26,000 gross acre seed corn plan at the Farmer City, Illinois DeKalb production site. She also managed various plant operations throughout the year.   

Kayla was born and raised on a corn-soybean, beef, and dairy operation. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness Management and Ag Economics from Purdue University, an MBA from Purdue University, and a graduate certificate in Leadership, Change Management and Negotiation from Purdue University.