MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, US — The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) said on Aug. 7 that it is working with an employment agency to find its next leader and intends to complete interviews by early November and have a new director in place by early winter.

GEAPS is working with Hedin Ag Enterprises of Ankeny, Iowa, US. The company specializes in retained executive searches for agribusinesses and agricultural associations throughout the United States.

Chris Blair, chairman of GEAPS board of directors, is leading the search internally.

“We couldn’t be more excited to find the next person to work with and lead our great GEAPS staff and GEAPS membership,” Blair said. “We all understand how important it is to find the right person for this position. GEAPS has held an important role for myself and many of us as we grow in our careers and connect with people in the industry. GEAPS also helps educate members, future GEAPS members and the grain industry as a whole. This is an important role to fill. We are confident we will find that person to serve GEAPS members and industry professionals.”

The new executive director will replace Steve Records, who left GEAPS at the end of March after 3 1/2 years. In his stead, Julia Kloehn, GEAPS’ director of operations, has been leading GEAPS. Glen Gudino, president of GEAPS Media Group (GMG), has been leading the GMG team in Illinois.   

GEAPS is an international professional association of individuals who work in the grain handling and processing industry. It has more than 3,000 individual members from about 1,000 companies and organizations represented in 46 states in the United States, six Canadian territories and 15 countries around the globe.