MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, US — Chris Blair has been named president of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) for the 2022-23 term. He succeeds Barbara Grove, who has moved on to chairwoman of the board.

Barb Grove_GEAPS chairwoman 22-23Barbara Grove

 Blair is region manager at NEW Cooperative, Fort Dodge, Iowa. His responsibilities at NEW Cooperative include leading the Palmer, Pomeroy, Knoke, Lanesboro, Glidden and Lidderdale locations in Iowa. Prior to NEW Cooperative he was a manager at First Coop Association and assistant regional manager at West Central Cooperative.

He has been a member of GEAPS for the past 15 years, and most recently was vice president. He also has served as a board director since 2015.

“In the last 15 years, I have had many opportunities with GEAPS,” Blair said. “This latest opportunity is a big one. I am humbled and honored to serve as GEAPS president for 2022-23. Thank you for having faith in me for this important role. I am looking forward to accomplishing much with you and for you over the next year.”

In addition to Blair, GEAPS has named Chuck Kunisch as first vice president. Kunisch is corporate safety director and specialty soybean manager for Michigan Agricultural Commodities in Lansing, Michigan, US.