Complete Story
12/14/2009
Merritt and Butts Selected to Lead Ohio Soybean Organizations
Contact: Jamie Butts
Ohio Soybean Council
614.476.3100
jbutts@soyohio.com
NEWS RELEASE
December 14, 2009
Merritt and Butts Selected to Lead Ohio Soybean Organizations
WORTHINGTON, OH - Farmer leaders of the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) recently announced the promotions of Kirk B. Merritt and Jamie L. Butts. Merritt will serve as executive director of OSC and Butts has been promoted to executive director of OSA.
These promotions come following the announcement that current executive director, John A. Lumpe, will be leaving to pursue other career opportunities. After 15 years of serving on the staff of OSC and OSA, Lumpe will be joining Farmer + Yoakam advertising agency, ltd. as the chief operating officer.
"Under John's leadership, our organization has experienced remarkable success and his dedication and passion for our industry will truly be missed," said Keith Kemp, OSC chairman. "From the research and development of soy toner and the establishment of our office in China to the creation of the Ohio Soybean Council Foundation and the Ohio Soy2020 initiative, John has always been forward thinking and it is for these reasons that he has gained the respect and notoriety of Ohio soybean farmers and colleagues from across the nation."
As executive director of OSC, Merritt will be responsible for leading the day to day activities and management of soybean checkoff programs. Most recently he has served as director of international marketing and the director of outreach and programs for the Ohio Soybean Council Foundation. Prior to joining OSC, Merritt managed the international trade division of the Ohio Department of Development, and worked as an international banker for KeyBank and Huntington Bank.
"Kirk's management and financial experience along with his knowledge and dedication to Ohio's soybean industry makes him a perfect fit for this promotion," said Kemp. "I am confident that he will lead our organization with strong passion and commitment."
As executive director of OSA, Butts will lead the state and federal policy efforts and state-wide membership program as well as other educational and farmer outreach activities. She will also continue to serve her current position as communications director for OSC. Most recently Butts served as OSA's director of legislative affairs. Prior to joining OSA and OSC and upon graduating from The Ohio State University, Butts served as the legislative aide to State Representative Chris Widener.
"Jamie is highly respected by both state and federal elected officials and has developed strong industry relations which will aid in her new role as executive director," said Jeff Wuebker, OSA president. "Her proven leadership skills will serve as a great asset for our organization."
As part of the transition, Lumpe will serve as senior advisor to both organizations during the next year.
"On behalf of the selection committee, I would like to thank John for his many years of service and dedication to our industry," said Wuebker. "He has led our organizations with the highest integrity and this is something Ohio soybean farmers should be proud of. I wish him much success as he works to advance his career and look forward to our continued working relationship with Kirk and Jamie."
About the Ohio Soybean Association
The Ohio Soybean Association is governed by a 26-member volunteer farmer board dedicated to education and promotion, as well as to uniting producer interest through support of legislative activities beneficial to the Ohio soybean industry.
About the Ohio Soybean Council
Headquartered in Worthington, the Ohio Soybean Council is governed by a 17-member volunteer farmer board, which directs the Soybean Promotion and Research Program. The program's primary goal is to improve soybean profitability by targeting research and development projects through the investment of farmer-contributed funds.
For more information, please visit www.soyohio.org.
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