MANKATO, MINNESOTA, US — The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) has named Randy Duckworth, who has extensive agricultural association management experience, as its new executive director, effective Jan. 6.

Duckworth’s duties will include overseeing day-to-day operations, providing strategic direction and leadership to advance SSGA’s mission and vision, and cultivating relationships with SSGA members and industry partners, the SSGA said in its Nov. 11 announcement. Among his first responsibilities will be finalizing plans for the Identity Preserved International Summit and Transportation Go!. 

Duckworth succeeds Eric Wenberg, who retired from SSGA, also known as the US Identity Preserved Alliance, on Sept. 30 after serving in that role for the organization’s first 5½ years. Established in 2019, the SSGA is the business alliance of identity preserved agriculture in the United States.

“Randy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in association work, particularly as it relates to the global food industry,” said Bob Sinner, chairman of the SSGA. “We look forward to Randy’s leadership as we continue to realize new opportunities for SSGA members and building creative solutions to our industry challenges.” 

A graduate of the Seattle University School of Law, Duckworth has specialized in agricultural association management, international food marketing and food assistance programs during his career. He has overseen marketing, promotion and research activities in more than 75 countries and specializes in linking producers, processors, exporters and buyers or food manufacturers. He most recently served as chief executive officer of the Global Pulse Federation based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Duckworth is a representative to the International Agri-Food Network and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research at Michigan State University. He previously served on the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization World Pulses Day oversight committee, is a former member of the USDA Food Aid Consultative Group and former chair of Protected Harvest, a group that promotes and certifies agriculture production and marketing practices. 

Duckworth said his initial focus will be listening to SSGA members, learning from their experiences and expanding outreach to current and potential stakeholders.