Mary Hagan, managing director of agriculture-focused agency Osborn Barr, has moved to the National Corn Growers Association as VP of communications.
The association said the appointment is part of an "elevated focus" on telling its story. NCGA president Chip Bowling said the trade group's new strategic plan includes a focus on improving consumer trust. "Mary's work helping counter negative perceptions and uniting diverse groups is exactly the type of experience and leadership we need to help us strengthen our relationship with customers and consumers," he said.
Corn has been a particularly hot topic in several sectors of late including food (corn syrup), economics (commodity prices) and politics (ethanol).
Hagan was a senior VP for Leo Burnett in Chicago and directed the McDonald's Europe account at Creata Promotion in the UK. She is also a former manager for Arthur Andersen & Co.
Cornerstone Government Affairs has inked a $25K monthly pact with Qatar to advance the relationship of the Arab state and the US.
Former House speaker Kevin McCarthy has teamed up with a crew of Republican heavy hitters to launch Watchtower Strategy, a public affairs firm that will focus on advocacy, strategy and strategic communications.
The National Association of Manufacturers has named Alexa Lopez VP of communications & public affairs, a newly created position. She was at the Transportation Security Administration.
