The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) on March 28 announced that Bill Northey, former Secretary of Agriculture for Iowa, has been named as its new CEO. Northey will succeed Joel Brinkmeyer, who served for nine years as AAI’s CEO and will retire on May 1, 2022.
An Iowa State University graduate, Northey’s public service began as a District Commissioner for the Dickinson County Soil and Water Conservation District. He then worked for the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), serving as President of NCGA in 1995-1996. Northey was elected three times as Secretary of Agriculture for Iowa in 2006, 2010, and 2014. Most recently, he served as Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His USDA term ended in January 2021.
“Bill’s passion for agriculture and extensive breadth of experience in Iowa agriculture are unparalleled,” said Kevin Drury, Chair of the AAI Board of Directors. “His interests in soil conservation and water quality will serve AAI and its membership well. His experience at the Iowa Statehouse, as well as in Washington D.C., will be invaluable as AAI addresses the challenges its members face. The AAI Board of Directors is delighted to have Bill on board.”
AAI thanked Brinkmeyer for his leadership, noting that both the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) and the Agricultural Legal Defense Fund were formed while he was at the helm of the association.