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Bonnie Johnson
June 22, 2026
Media ArticleAmy Roady has been named the first director of the James F. Evans Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This new role marks an important step in strengthening agricultural communication worldwide.
Roady brings more than 20 years of experience in agricultural communications. Her career includes work in journalism, education, nonprofit leadership, and corporate communication. She has worked with organizations such as the Illinois Soybean Association and the University of Illinois Extension. Her work focuses on connecting farmers, researchers, businesses, and the public.
She is also a former participant in the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders program, which supports young professionals in agricultural journalism. Her journey from young leader to director shows how early career development programs can shape future leaders in the agriculture industry.
The Evans Center was created to improve communication about food and agriculture. It aims to support research, training, outreach, and public discussion. The center will also help professionals better explain complex agricultural topics such as sustainability, climate change, technology, and trade.
Roady will guide the center’s long-term vision. Her role includes building partnerships, supporting education, and encouraging global collaboration. She will help create opportunities for students and professionals to learn and grow in agricultural communication careers.
A key project linked to the center is a global certification program in agricultural communications. This program is designed to be accessible online and useful for professionals across different countries and industries. It will help build skills needed to communicate effectively in a changing global food system.
Her appointment comes at a time when clear and accurate communication in agriculture is more important than ever. Issues like misinformation, food security, and environmental concerns require skilled communicators who can share reliable information with the public.
Overall, Roady’s leadership highlights the growing importance of communication in agriculture. Her experience and vision will help support the next generation of agricultural professionals and strengthen communication across the global food system.
Photo by: ifaj.org
