The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has announced that Fred Stemme is joining its staff as vice president of marketing, while June Silverberg and Lisa Kelley are joining the association's public policy staff in Washington, D.C.

Stemme will oversee the association's marketing, communications, industry relations and membership programs, as well as Commodity Classic and other meetings.

"I'm thrilled about the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and begin working with NCGA's grower-leaders, staff and affiliated state organizations," Stemme said.

Prior to joining NCGA, Stemme served seven years as the marketing and communications director for the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA). "I thoroughly enjoyed working with Missouri's corn growers and I'm excited about the new opportunity I have to serve producers from all over the country," he said.

In his previous position, Stemme oversaw MCGA's communications efforts, directed the membership program, coordinated key events, led industry relations, developed educational initiatives and worked with the state checkoff program.

"The experience Stemme gained at the state level, as well as his roots in agriculture, will make him an invaluable asset to the NCGA team," said Rick Tolman, NCGA CEO. "He has a comprehensive understanding of NCGA's issues and priorities, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the nation's corn growers."

Stemme, who was raised on a Missouri farm, previously was employed by American Cyanamid Company and spent time on the legislative staff of Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, R-MO.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia and spent one semester studying agriculture in Costa Rica.

Kelley and Silverberg will serve as directors of public policy. Kelley will oversee lobbying efforts related to appropriations, conservation and transportation issues, while Silverberg will focus on trade, biotechnology and NCGA's political action committee.

Kelley most recently served on the staff of the ranking member of the House Committee on Agriculture. There she managed and directed numerous key legislative issues including food safety, pesticides, fruits and vegetables, energy, clean air, organic agriculture, nursery crops and forest management.

Kelley also worked for former Rep. Charles Stenholm, D-TX; was on the campaign staff of Loy Sneary for Congress; and was an intern for Rep. Ciro D. Rodriguez, D-TX. She is a native of Hondo, Texas, where she grew up on a family cattle and horse ranch.

Silverberg comes to NCGA after nearly seven years with the National Association of Wheat Growers, where she was director of corporate relations and development and worked with the organization's biotech committee.

She previously was employed by Altria and worked as a staff assistant to Rep. Jimmy Hayes, R-LA. Additionally, she has experience working on political campaigns on various gubernatorial, Senate and House races. She was raised in Shreveport, La., where her family was in the hardware business and raised registered cattle.

"We're very excited to have Lisa and June join the NCGA staff," said Jon Doggett, vice president of public policy. "They bring to our organization a strong commitment to production agriculture and a wealth of public policy experience."

Date: 3/24/05