NAMA Elects New Leaders During 2024 Annual Meeting

September 16, 2024 – Milling industry leaders and their guests gathered at The Sun Valley Resort during the 2024 North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) Annual Meeting, which ended Saturday. 

From left to right: Past NAMA Chair Brian Doyle (King Milling), NAMA President Jane DeMarchi, 2024-2026 NAMA Chair Tedd Kruse (ADM Milling and Baking Solutions).

“As I begin my term as Chair, NAMA is well-poised to continue delivering real value for its members as the collective voice of the milling industry in Washington, D.C.,” said NAMA Chair Tedd Kruse. “The relationships developed through involvement in the association and educational opportunities are priceless.”

The NAMA Board of Directors held its annual business meeting during the conference. Kruse (ADM Baking and Milling Solutions) was elected Chair and Chris Giguere (Iowa Corn Processors) was elected Vice-Chair for 2024-2026. Jessica Exley (Cargill) was elected to serve on the NAMA Executive Committee. NAMA’s corn, oat, and wheat divisions met during the conference to continue work to implement the association’s strategic plan for 2024-2027. 

The 2024-2025 NAMA Board of Directors.

During the 2024 Annual Meeting Dinner and Awards Ceremony sponsored by NAMA Associate Members, Kruse presented the 2024 Honorary Member Award to Dan Dye (retired, Ardent Mills) in recognition of his decades of leadership for the industry. Outgoing NAMA Executive Committee member Jeff Hole (Miller Milling) and outgoing NAMA Oat Division Chair Terry Tyson (Grain Millers) were also honored.

From left to right: 2024-2026 NAMA Chair Tedd Kruse (ADM Milling and Baking Solutions), NAMA Honorary Member Awardee Dan Dye, Josh Sosland (Sosland Publishing).

From left to right: Outgoing NAMA Executive Committee member Jeff Hole (Miller Milling), outgoing NAMA Oat Division Chair Terry Tyson (Grain Millers), 2024-2026 NAMA Chair Tedd Kruse (ADM Milling and Baking Solutions).

“The 2024 Annual Meeting showcased the impact of NAMA’s collaboration across the supply chain to make a difference on the issues that matter most to millers,” said NAMA President Jane DeMarchi. “Looking ahead, the values and purpose outlined in NAMA’s strategic plan are steadfast and will serve the industry well as we continue to navigate uncertainty in D.C. and in the marketplace.”

The general session presentations provided both business insights and a forward-looking perspective on topics impacting the milling industry. Dave Whorton (Tugboat Institute) and author Brad Cleveland kicked off the first general session with a dynamic conversation about building a purpose-driven business and leveraging the power of customer experience. Dr. Michael Swanson (Wells Fargo) discussed the economic factors currently impacting profitability for millers. 

On day two, Melinda Farris (International Association of Operative Millers) highlighted opportunities to strengthen the milling industry’s talent pipeline and future workforce. Molly Miller (NAMA Vice President of Regulatory & Industry Affairs) and Kim Cooper (NAMA Vice President of Government Affairs) were joined by Rasma Zvaners (American Bakers Association) and Chandler Goule (National Association of Wheat Growers) to discuss policy issues impacting the entire flour supply chain.

For more information about the 2024 Annual Meeting and future NAMA events, visit https://namamillers.org/our-events/. NAMA’s Spring Conference – the organization’s largest annual education conference for wheat, corn, and oat millers – will be held March 8-11, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

About NAMA:

NAMA is the only national trade association that exclusively represents the interests of the North American wheat, corn, oat, and rye milling industry before Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory bodies. Member companies operate mills in 30+ states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, representing more than 90 percent of total industry production capacity. 

The North American Millers’ Association is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Persons who require alternative means of communication for program information should contact [email protected] or 202-484-2200.