Chesterfield, MO, November 17, 2023 – The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is pleased to welcome Kim Atkins as Director – Strategic Partnerships. With nearly two decades of experience working to promote U.S. agriculture overseas, Atkins brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to USSEC and this newly created role.

“Core to our success are our many partner organizations both domestically and internationally with which we collaborate,” said Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC. “In this role, Atkins will lead engagement with many of these key partners and cultivate those relationships, ensuring continued collaboration across the entities while helping connect our global network with these partners for the advancement of U.S. Soy and U.S. agricultural interests.”

Most recently, Atkins served as manager of membership and engagement at the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA). Prior to that she was vice president of public affairs and policy at Laura Wood Peterson (LWP) Consulting and vice president and chief operating officer for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). 

Originally from Sunburst, Montana, Atkins has spent her career in Northern Virginia, alongside her husband and son.  She will report to Rosalind Leeck, Executive Director – Market Access & Strategy.

In addition, USSEC has also made some organizational updates to align with current needs. 

The Industry Affairs team was formed by combining the Industry Relations and Market Access functions.  Lyndsey Erb, Director – Industry Affairs leads the team which includes Brianna Metts and Ryan Olson serving as Managers of Industry Affairs and Liz Ruskamp as Coordinator of Industry Affairs.  The group continues to report to Leeck.

Also, now reporting to Leeck are Communications, Strategic Programs, and Project Administration functions. 

USSEC is committed to continually evaluating organizational needs to deliver value most effectively to the U.S. Soy Industry.

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This press release was funded by U.S. Soy farmers, their checkoff and the soy value chain.

About U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) focuses on differentiating, building preference, and elevating market access for the use of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in 80+ countries internationally. USSEC members represent the soy supply chain including U.S. Soy farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations. USSEC is funded by the U.S. soybean checkoff, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) matching funds, and industry. Please visit www.ussec.org or follow USSEC on Linkedin for the latest information, resources, and news about USSEC and U.S. Soy internationally.