Executive Director
Corn Marketing Program of Michigan

The Organization
Representing Michigan’s corn farmers through the Michigan Corn Growers Association and the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, The Michigan Corn Growers Association and the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan work together to enhance the economic position of Michigan's corn growers.

The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) is a check-off program established by P.A. 232, 1965 as amended. P.A. 232 allows for the establishment of check-off programs for commodities grown in Michigan and sold. * A checkoff program is a government-sponsored program that promotes a commodity by funding research, education, and promotion. The programs are also known as research and promotion programs.

The purpose of the CMPM is to enhance the economic position of Michigan corn growers by providing for the growth and expansion of the corn industry in Michigan through foreign and domestic market development, promotion, and research that will stimulate the demand for corn. This shall be accomplished through this program by increasing demand and utilization, disseminating market information, discovering new and more efficient marketing and production methods, and by enhancing markets for Michigan corn.

The Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) has oversight over the Program. The nine farmer members of the CMPM board of directors are appointed by the Governor for three-year terms. The Michigan Agri-Business Association, Michigan Corn Growers Association, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Michigan State University are all represented through ex-officio members serving on the board.

 

The CMPM was enacted in March 1993 after farmers across the state petitioned the director of the MDA. The director appointed a farmer committee to develop the check-off program which was put to a vote of Michigan corn farmers and passed. Since the check-off is mandatory, every five years the program is voted on by the state’s corn farmers. The vote for the program must pass by both popular vote and production. Successful votes have been held in 1998, 2003, 2008 and most recently, 2013.

 

For every bushel of corn grown in Michigan and sold, one penny comes to the CMPM and is used for research, education, market development and new uses. Most often this penny is sent to the CMPM by an elevator, but if the corn does not go through an elevator or if the elevator is out of state and does not report to the CMPM, it is the farmer ’s responsibility to make sure the penny is paid.

About MCGA
The Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is a grassroots organization of grower members dedicated to increasing the profitability of corn production. Using their affiliation with the National Corn Growers Association, a small group of farmers decided to organize an association in Michigan to promote their projects and hold educational meetings. Through their diligent efforts, the MCGA was officially launched in 1972 and now has more than 1,400 members and six county chapters. Efforts to improve the profitability of corn include marketing seminars, educational meetings, research plots, political action and tradeshows. Today, the MCGA focuses on policy work both in Lansing and in Washington D.C. that will enhance the economic viability of corn farmers through fair and just regulations, trade agreements and legislation. The MCGA is the only organization in Michigan that works solely on behalf of the state’s corn growers for pro-agricultural legislation. The MCGA works to ensure that corn growers’ voices are heard at the local, state and national levels. Members of the MCGA automatically become members of the National Corn Growers Association.

Renewable Fuel Standards
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), part of the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, has been a great success for both farmers and consumers. In 2012, over 13 billion gallons of ethanol was produced in America, bringing much needed jobs across the country and adding money to local communities. The RFS helps promote fuel choice while supporting American jobs and the rural economy. In 2013 the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce began reviewing the (RFS) and many challenges to this vital piece of legislation were brought up all throughout the House and Senate. Also, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed changing the RFS to reduce the amount of ethanol that is required in our nation's fuel supply. In response to these attacks the MCGA began a communications campaign aimed at pushing back against these challenges and hopefully, preventing efforts to weaken or repeal the RFS. Highlights of the campaign are below. Michigan Corn also commissioned a study by Michigan State University that shows the benefits Michigan consumers receive because of the RFS. 

Building on a History of Success
Primary among the future plans and recent successes, CMPM has identified these targets & accomplishments:

Future Plans

• Investing in building sustainable aviation fuel markets to take advantage of the doubling of air traffic by 2050
• Expanding trade to new international markets by removing trade barriers and showcasing the quality of US corn
• Defending against increasing attacks on crop protection chemistries and technologies
• Educating lawmakers and the public about the carbon sequestration and sustainability gains of Michigan corn farmers

Successes

• Built the ethanol industry in Michigan, from funding the initial feasibility studies to growing current markets Achieved a return on investment of $24.50 in export revenue for every dollar invested in trade market development
• Expanded the impact of the U.S. Grains Council by funding a full-time staff member for the Middle East and Africa
• Saved farmers $13.89 to $27.79 per acre by helping convince the International Trade Commission to block tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers imported from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago

CMPM Media

• CMPM Announces Call for Research Proposals
• Radicle Growth Announces Finalists for the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge Sponsored by US Corn Farmers
• MCGA Joins Over 300 Groups Calling on Congress to Pass Robust Farm Bill
• Congressional Letter to Commerce Questions Tariffs on Popular Herbicide
• EIW: Grower Advocates, Navigating Unprecedented Times, Push for Bipartisanship

The Opportunity

Position: Executive Director
Location: Lansing, MI
Reporting Relationship: Board of Directors (2)

Purpose of the Position
The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for strategic, visionary leadership of the organization and ensuring effective operations. This includes, but is not limited to, collaborating with two Board of Directors to articulate the vision and strategic direction of CMPM, and execution of strategic initiatives. This also includes employee supervision, external relations, and stakeholder engagement.

The ED directs the growth and expansion of the corn industry through market development, product promotion, and research that will simulate the demand for corn and corn related products to maintain a workable legislative and regulatory environment for corn production in the state of Michigan. The ED represents and advocates for the best interest of the Michigan corn growers under the direction and guidance of both Boards of Directors.

This is a great time of opportunity and momentum where the ED will have the chance to leverage the great work and engagement to date and lead the needed change management from an administrative standpoint. Transparency and communication is key for the ED to be able to distill down information from multiple sources and translate directives to staff and two boards in ways that are applicable, actionable, and impactful. The subject matter area expertise and commitment of the staff is significant which provides the ED the opportunity to fully leverage best practices and find new ways to work through policy, management and member engagement to provide value, education and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities
The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan seeks a leader with the passion, skills, and qualifications to successfully lead CMPM through its next phase of development, member engagement, advocacy and impact.

The ED must serve credibly and proactively as the face of the organization who can seek engagement from all board members, increase involvement, platform the message, educational offerings and value proposition while collaborating with other state and national organizations by fully leveraging the resources and people to make a bigger impact with policy decisions.

Chief among the primary responsibilities for the ED include:

• The administration of the check-off program as directed by Public Act 232 under the direction of the appointed Board of Directors including:
• Implement Board directives.
• Oversee research programs through grants that enhance the market potential and increase the demand for corn and corn-related products.
• Account for funds received through the check-off program.
• Work in cooperation with the Boards of Directors, maintain open communication, communicate current issues and trends, and address the concerns and issues of board members and growers.
• Work with research organizations to encourage projects that will be effective, meet the mission of the Board of Directors, and meet the goals of the program.
• Coordinate public relations issues including:
  • Dealing with other professionals in the commodity community throughout Michigan and the nation, specifically the National Corn Growers Association.
  • Issue advocacy for governmental legislation and regulation.
  • Media relations, assuring the communication is effective and places the corn program, growers and the industry in the best possible light.
• Develop the Michigan Corn Growers Association through marketing, enhancement of services and actively work to increase membership.
• Assure the smooth operation of the business office, including:
• Financial accountability
• Management of staff
• Administration of facilities and equipment
• Managing the building and handling tenant issues and responsibilities
• Maintain a workable legislative and regulatory environment for corn production in the state of Michigan.
• Maintain an awareness of current issues and trends as they relate directly or indirectly to corn and agriculture as a whole, communicate, develop and implement strategies to address relevant issues and concerns as directed by board members and growers.
• Work with research organizations to encourage projects that will be effective, meet the mission of the Board of Directors, and meet the goals of the program.
• Work in partnership with government agencies, the National Corn Growers Association, other state corn marketing organizations, and other commodity organizations in a manner that will be effective and meet the goals of the Boards of Directors and the mission of Public Act 232.
• Oversee the public relations functions, including membership, ethanol, production, and policy.
• Represent the Michigan Corn Growers Association and Corn Marketing Program of Michigan in a professional, respectful and responsive manner.
• Work cooperatively with management, co-workers, growers, members, vendors and the public.

The key measurable objectives and metrics for the position and organization include: 

• To create and maintain a positive public perception of corn, growers, the organizations and corn-related products.
• To ensure the smooth operation of the business office.
• To facilitate the increased use and sale of corn and corn-related products that will enhance the market for corn by increasing demand.
• To obtain legislative and regulatory initiatives that are in the best interest of corn, growers and agriculture both nationally and locally.
• To represent the Michigan Corn Growers Association and Corn Marketing Program of Michigan in a professional and responsible manner with a service orientation.

Professional Qualifications
The successful candidate will bring passion, enthusiasm and commitment for the CMPM mission and farmers and have comparable executive leadership experience in an organization of similar or larger size and complexity. They will be a very strong culture builder, stellar communicator, strategic thinker, and a proven leader who will articulate a vision that others embrace and follow. Other desired qualifications and leadership characteristics include:

• Five to seven years’ experience in a commodity or agricultural related industry.
• Strong communication skills including listening, presentation, interpersonal, and persuasion.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to assess information and trends and proactively develop strategies to meet the needs of the Corn Growers.
• Management experience or training strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and multiple priorities.
• *Travel will include driving throughout the State of Michigan, occasionally flying nationally and internationally.

Education

• A bachelors degree or equivalent in professional experience.

Compensation

• Compensation and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Application Process

• Interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume by clicking APPLY TO THIS POSITION below.