The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has hired Melissa George Kessler as director of communications at its Washington headquarters, effective July 18.
“Melissa has a strong communications background and has worked extensively with agricultural media,” said USGC President and CEO Tom Sleight. “She will bring a new perspective to the job and help strengthen our communications efforts.”
As director of communications, Kessler will design and execute aggressive communications strategies to raise the profile of USGC experts, expertise and its mission. She will develop and lead the Council’s overall communications initiatives and public relations efforts, including internal and external communication strategies.
Kessler is a consultant focusing primarily on communications and organizational effectiveness. Previously, she had served for seven years as the National Association of Wheat Growers’ director of communications. In that position Kessler managed the association’s media relations, created and maintained NAWG’s digital presence, actively participated in the association’s policy-setting process, and more.
She is replacing Marri Carrow, who recently was promoted to regional director of the Western Hemisphere based in Panama.
Kessler holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in political science and master’s degree in organization development from American University.
