Christopher L. Jahn has been named president of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), and will assume the helm at TFI on Sept. 9. He succeeds Ford B. West, who announced his plans to retire on Jan. 7, 2013. Jahn will also serve as president of the Nutrients for Life Foundation.
Jahn comes to TFI from the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD), where he has served as president since 2006. Prior to his work with NACD, Jahn was president of the Contract Services Association and before that, chief of staff to U.S. Senator Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.).
“I am pleased to be joining TFI and am excited about representing the fertilizer industry, which is so vital to world food production,” Jahn said. “I look forward to working with TFI’s members to expand TFI’s reach with policymakers and the general public.”
During his tenure at NACD, Jahn directed successful initiatives to advance the association’s role in the legislative and regulatory arenas. Through his leadership, NACD expanded the profile and effectiveness of Responsible Distribution, a third-party verification program that requires members to continuously improve performance in environmental, health, safety, and security activities.
“Chris’ experience in the security, environmental, and product stewardship arenas will enhance TFI’s advocacy on behalf of the fertilizer industry,” said TFI Chairman and Mosaic Co. President Jim Prokopanko. “He has demonstrated the ability to enhance a trade association’s profile by building consensus within the community of members and with like-minded allied organizations. He will be a tremendous asset to the Institute as we seek to further strengthen our members’ voice in Washington, D.C.”
West is retiring after 34 years of service to TFI. He joined TFI in 1979 and rose through the ranks, first serving as director of member services before being promoted to assistant vice president in 1982, vice president of government relations in 1984, and senior vice president in 1999. West has served as president of TFI since Sept. 6, 2005.