Evan Dean has been appointed deputy head of government and legislative affairs at the NGFA

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has announced that Evan Dean will take up the post of Deputy Director of Government and Legislative Affairs with effect from 13 July. In his new role, Dean will lead the NGFA’s federal advocacy efforts on behalf of the grain, feed, processing and export sectors, and will help to advance the association’s policy priorities.

Dean joins the NGFA from his most recent role as Legislative Director in the office of US Representative Mike Flood (Nebraska). In this role, Dean advised Representative Flood on legislative strategies and policy matters, managing a policy portfolio covering agriculture, trade, energy, transport and telecommunications. He also led the legislative team, working closely with Members of Congress, federal agencies, industry representatives and agricultural organisations.

Dean’s expertise in the grain and feed sector was developed whilst working as part of the team representing Nebraska’s First Congressional District. According to the NGFA’s Harvest Economy report, the grain and feed sector provides employment for over 15,000 people in that district, whilst generating an economic contribution of approximately US$5.5 billion.

Mike Seyfert, President and CEO of the NGFA, stated that Evan Dean’s experience in Congress and his expertise on policy issues of direct relevance to NGFA members would make a significant contribution to the organisation. Seyfert noted that having represented a region where the grain and feed sector is of great economic importance had given Dean the opportunity to gain a close understanding of the sector’s role in local economies and the agricultural supply chain. He noted that Dean’s experience in agriculture, trade, renewable fuels and budgetary matters, coupled with his ability to forge strong relationships with public bodies and industry stakeholders, would further strengthen the NGFA’s advocacy work.

Prior to his role as Director of Legislative Affairs, Dean served as a legislative adviser in Mike Flood’s office. During this period, Dean was responsible for policies relating to agriculture, trade, the budget, energy, telecommunications and natural resources; he contributed to advancing sustainable aviation fuel initiatives, played a role in securing federal support for agricultural research priorities, and worked closely with agricultural stakeholders across Nebraska. He was also involved in efforts to develop transport infrastructure, improve access and reduce barriers to the nationwide transport of goods – issues of particular importance to NGFA members.

Earlier in his career, Dean worked as a legislative correspondent in the office of US Representative Greg Pence and had previously worked in the office of Senator Thom Tillis.