Executive Vice President and CEO

This position is to lead a national organization, supported by three staff, consisting of a Vice President of Government Relations, Vice President of Science and Innovation and Director of Administration. The Board of Directors are growers representing 10,000 family farmers in 10 states. All 19 processing factories are owned by 7 different farmer-owned cooperatives producing 54% of domestic sugar production.

The EVP/CEO will oversee all aspects of the Association. This will require a bipartisan and balanced approach to House and Senate offices and the Administration. Creative, analytical thinking, problem solving, dynamic leadership and excellent communication skills are required. Collaboration and creativity are highly valued. Organizational skills, reliability, attention to detail and punctuality are very important.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Washington, DC Office: The position requires the CEO to reside in the DC area and interact with staff daily through in-office attendance. Supporting growth opportunities help strengthen a professional and dynamic association staff.

Industry Coordination: Organization, communication, and leadership across sugarbeet and sugar cane industry stakeholders, and occasionally serve as the Chair of the American Sugar Alliance.

Legislative and Regulatory: Have experience in farm policy and Administration regulatory procedures. Collaborate with beet and cane leaders to develop, defend, and promote U.S. sugar policy, appropriations funding for research and other essential policies that impact the industry. Oversee with the VP of Government Relations and the training of grower teams for annual congressional fly-ins. Support the development and execution of crop insurance policies.

Public Relations: Provide leadership over the development and execution of the industry's PR program. An important skill is to develop engaging presentations along with excellent presentation skills. Writing and editing skills are essential, along with identifying economic research projects conducted by the industry staff. Clearly understand the dynamics of the media and how it is used for communication and education. Be proficient in giving print, radio, and TV interviews.

International Trade: Monitor and engage on all international trade actions or agreements impacting the beet sugar industry. Serve as an advisor on the USDA/USTR Sugar and Sweetener Advisory Committee. Understand the USHTS and anti-dumping and countervailing rules.

Science and Innovation (S&I): Oversee industry activities related to pesticides, seed genetics (biotechnology/gene editing), artificial intelligence, robotics, etc. to maximize grower efficiency. This is led by the Vice President for S&I in coordination with the U.S. Beet Sugar Association and the Beet Sugar Development Foundation.

Meetings: Design and conduct three board meetings, including a 400 person annual meeting per year outside DC, plus assist in the annual American Sugar Alliance Symposium. Occasionally attend and present at local grower annual meetings.

Political Action Committee: Serve as Treasurer of the Association's PAC and participate in key fundraisers. Have a passion for closely monitoring political races. The position will require hosting and participating in fundraising events.

Financial: Oversee the financial affairs of the association (budget development, investment of reserves, audits, expenditures) with the Director of Administration.

Legal: Have a basic understanding of antitrust rules and litigation, working with legal counsel to prepare for amicus briefs, intervenor, defendant and plaintiff. Board governance (bylaws) and maintaining association records are essential.

Nutrition: Assist the Sugar Association on any interaction with congress and the administration regarding legislation or regulations impacting sugar.

NOTE:

Applications will be accepted until the close of business on Friday, February 13, 2026. The successful candidate can expect to begin employment on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Superior editing, communication, and presentation skills

Demonstrated ability to identify and prioritize tasks, manage projects and meet deadlines

Strong understanding of public relations and social media

Excellent computer skills

Annual Travel:
Four multi-day association and industry meetings plus occasional member annual meetings. Limited foreign travel based on international trade negotiation activity.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in Agriculture; understanding of farmers and the agricultural industry

Strong knowledge of the legislative process, Congress and USDA;
Hill experience

Minimum five years of public policy experience