WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has ramped up its search for a new chief executive officer (CEO) after Rick Tolman announced his intent to retire at the end of September. Tolman has been CEO of the organization since September 2000.

The NCGA has identified several functions that the new CEO will have, including:

• Provide and facilitate visionary and high integrity leadership for the organization;

• Organize, facilitate and lead the development and implementation of NCGA’s strategies, programs and policy and priority development efforts;

• Ensure that effective public relations and communications programs enhance public acceptance of the corn industry and NCGA;

• Build on the relationships with the federation of state corn grower associations;

• Strengthen relationships with other stakeholder associations, industry partners, government policymakers and public service organizations;

• Oversee the financial and administrative management of the NCGA, including its St. Louis, Missouri, U.S., headquarters and Washington, D.C., U.S. offices; and

• Recruit, develop and lead senior NCGA staff.

Also at the beginning of its new fiscal year, set for Oct. 1, the NCGA will have a new president. Chip Bowling of Maryland, currently first vice-president of the association, will take over as president, succeeding Martin Barbre of Illinois, who will become chairman. Rob Elliott of Illinois will become first vice-president on Oct. 1.