(NAFB) – Bill Northey, a one-time Secretary of Agriculture for Iowa, is the new CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa.

Northey is well-known in state and federal agriculture. His involvement in the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the National Corn Growers Association culminated in his role as president of NCGA. He was elected three times as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in 2006, 2010, and 2014. Most recently, Northey was Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the USDA, and his term ended in January of 2021.

“I’m excited to get asked to serve AAI as its CEO,” Northey says. “AAI is made up of the leading agricultural companies in Iowa working to promote Iowa’s agricultural opportunities and to support Iowa farmer and agribusiness leadership on improving Iowa’s environment.”

Kevin Drury, Chair of AAI’s Board of Directors, says Northey’s passion for agriculture and extensive breadth of experience in agriculture are unparalleled. Northey will replace the retiring Joel Brinkmeyer.