Paul Noe Named CEO to Lead Corn Refiners Association

Experienced policy leader paul noe chosen to lead CRA

• Bonnie Johnson
• September 21, 2026
• Media Article

The Corn Refiners Association has appointed Paul Noe as its next president and CEO, bringing decades of public policy and regulatory experience to lead the organization as longtime CEO John Bode prepares to retire.

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The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) has named Paul Noe as its next President and CEO. He will succeed John Bode, who announced earlier this year that he plans to retire after leading the association for 13 years.
 

Noe brings decades of experience in public policy, regulatory affairs, and government relations. His background includes leadership roles with major industry groups and extensive work on legislative and legal issues affecting U.S. businesses.
 

CRA Board Chair and Primient CEO Jim Stutelberg praised Noe's qualifications and leadership potential.
 

"Paul's diverse experience and strategic mindset will make him an outstanding leader for the CRA team and a strong champion for America's corn refining industry," said CRA Board Chair and Primient CEO Jim Stutelberg.
 

Over the past 20 years, Noe has helped shape public policy and regulatory strategies for organizations including the American Forest & Paper Association and the former Grocery Manufacturers Association, now known as the Consumer Brands Association. His work has focused on advancing industry priorities and addressing complex regulatory challenges.
 

Before joining trade associations, Noe served in several government roles. During the George W. Bush Administration, he worked as counselor at the White House Office of Management and Budget and later served as senior counsel to three chairmen of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee.
 

In addition to his government service, Noe worked in private legal practice, advising clients on environmental, regulatory, and policy matters. This diverse background has given him extensive experience navigating both public and private sector issues.
 

Commenting on his appointment, Noe said he looks forward to supporting an industry that plays an important role in American agriculture and food production.
 

"My career has been shaped by the opportunity to work with exceptional colleagues to advance important policy issues, and I am thrilled to begin this next chapter with the CRA team to help an essential American industry that touches the lives of countless producers and consumers every day," said Noe.
 

Noe will join the association on October 1 and assume full leadership responsibilities ahead of Bode's retirement on January 31, 2027. He lives in Arlington, Virginia, with his wife, Wendy, and their three children.
 

Stutelberg also recognized Bode's contributions to the organization and the broader food and agriculture sector.
 

"The leadership role John has played in building CRA into a respected voice in American food and agriculture cannot be overstated," added Stutelberg.
 

Founded in 1913, the Corn Refiners Association serves as the national trade organization for the U.S. corn refining industry. Its members produce a variety of products from corn, including sweeteners, starches, corn oil, advanced bioproducts, and feed ingredients used across food, agricultural, and industrial markets.
 

Photo Credit: Corn Refiners Association