ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, US — CHS Inc., a US-based agribusiness cooperative, on March 20 announced the appointment of Sarah Bovim as vice president, government affairs. Bovim brings more than 17 years of experience to CHS, leading government affairs and public policy for Whirlpool Corp. and Albertsons Companies, one of the largest US food and drug retailers.

Before working in the private sector, Bovim was a senior US trade negotiator at the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) during both Democratic and Republican administrations. She led negotiating teams that shaped international trade policy and provided insights and perspectives to Congress and executive branch officials on how government action affects business. She also has worked as an economist for the US Department of Commerce, the International Trade Administration and The World Bank.

Bovim succeeds Jim Zappa as head of government affairs, who will retire on April 3. Zappa joined CHS in 2015 as general counsel and held various leadership roles within the organization.

“Sarah brings tremendous experience, strong relationships and deep knowledge managing a broad range of regulatory and legislative issues that will help CHS represent the voice of our farmer and cooperative owners across the US,” said Brandon Smith, executive vice president and general counsel. “I also want to thank Jim Zappa for his tremendous contributions to CHS over his eight years at the company.”