Press Release
Arlington, Virginia, United States
Dr. Barb Glenn, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, announced today that she will retire from her position this fall. Serving as a champion for state agriculture departments over the last seven years, Glenn has marshaled NASDA as the unified voice for agriculture, but her profound influence on the industry stretches over her entire 40-year career.
“It has been an honor to serve state agriculture departments and amplify their united voice in Washington, D.C. NASDA members are uniquely positioned to lead agriculture toward a healthy and resilient world, and I am extremely proud of the member value NASDA’s team has created during my time,” Glenn said. “Over 40 years, I’ve been fortunate to work among some of the best and brightest in the industry, and nothing is more fulfilling than knowing that we will continue ‘onward and upward’ in our pursuit to serve American farmers, ranchers and communities.”
Glenn continued, “After I retire as NASDA CEO, I plan to stay involved with agriculture and continue my volunteer work with the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation Board, the Howard County Maryland 4-H Foundation Board and chairing the Maryland Farm Bureau Agriculture Education and Extension Committee. Above all, I look forward to cherishing more time with family and life on Glenn Family Farm.”
NASDA President Dr. Ryan Quarles reflected on Glenn’s contributions by saying, “Dr. Glenn holds a wealth of professional expertise and experience in agricultural policy, regulatory challenges and agricultural research. She used her unique perspective to advocate for resources for state departments of agriculture and strengthen our national agriculture and food policy. Dr. Glenn has worked tirelessly for more than four decades, benefiting all who rely on agriculture and leaving a legacy for the industry to follow.”
Glenn has spent her entire career serving the agriculture community through her research, advocacy, leadership and volunteer work. In 2014, Glenn was selected to serve as NASDA’s CEO. With her scientific background and extensive policy experience, she has put NASDA at the forefront of food and agricultural issues on Capitol Hill, with the White House, federal agencies, and industry partners.
Recognizing Glenn’s expertise, several influential institutions in our nation’s capital and beyond have invited her leadership. Naming a few, Glenn was the first woman president for the American Society of Animal Science, she has been selected to serve on the USDA and USTR Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee through multiple presidential administrations, and she’s been an active National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research board member since 2016.
Prior to NASDA, Glenn received her Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition from the University of Kentucky. She began her career as a scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, discovering solutions for feeding dairy cattle in the laboratory for nearly 20 years. Moving from the lab to advocacy work in governmental relations, she joined the Biotechnology Innovation Organization as managing director of animal biotechnology, food and agriculture in Washington, D.C. Glenn later moved from BIO to CropLife America in 2010 and led its science and regulatory affairs as senior vice president for four years.
Glenn will remain in her position as NASDA CEO through early fall 2021 and will assist with the transition.
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NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all fifty states and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances American agriculture through policy, partnerships and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.