Max Starbuck

WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — After 13 years with the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), Max Starbuck, director of market development, has retired.

During his tenure with NCGA Starbuck fulfilled many roles, from managing mycotoxin research efforts and the National Corn Yield Contest, to stewardship programs and most recently, focusing on key demand initiatives, including building relationships with the livestock industry and building capacity in surface and river transportation.

“Max’s background in farming, working as a nutrition consultant and with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency provided him with a valuable skill set to advocate on behalf of farmers on a diverse set of issues,” said Amie Gianino, vice-president of market development at the NCGA. “NCGA owes him a debt of gratitude for the energy, dedication and expertise he brought to bear on behalf of all corn growers. We wish Max well in his well-deserved retirement.”

This is the latest in staff changes at the NCGA. In mid-February, the association expanded its staff with the appointment of two public policy directors.

Kathy Reding Bergren joined as director of public policy for ethanol. Bergren most recently was legislative director for U.S. Representative Randy Neugebauer of Texas. She also previously worked for U.S. Representative Ron Lewis of Kentucky.

Lesly Weber McNitt joined as director of public policy for trade and biotechnology. McNitt joins the NCGA from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), where she was chief of staff for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and then the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS). Previously, she worked at the lobbying firm Oldaker Biden & Belair, and then established the Washington, D.C., U.S., office for the Farm Journal Foundation.