The Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) Board of Directors has announced that Chuck Lippstreu has been selected to lead the association upon the retirement of current MABA president Jim Byrum in February 2020. He will join the association effective January 2, 2020.
Lippstreu is well-known to many in Michigan agriculture, having worked with the association as well as many agribusinesses and allied interests on key issues, strategic communications and advocacy in recent years.
“In addition to his policy expertise, Chuck understands what makes Michigan agriculture unique,” said Jim Doyle, chairman of the MABA Executive Committee and senior vice president of King Milling Company. “He will continue to be an outstanding advocate for Michigan’s agriculture and rural sectors as president of MABA.”
“Many MABA members have worked closely with Chuck and know the commitment, passion and background he brings to our industry,” said Byrum. “I am proud that our association is known as the go-to resource for our members, as well as leaders in Lansing and Washington, and Chuck is well-positioned to carry on this positive momentum and serve our members well.”
Lippstreu currently serves on the communications team at Land O’Lakes Inc. where his work spans many issues and industry segments, from ag retail and technology, to animal nutrition, to sustainability. Before joining Land O’Lakes, Lippstreu managed a wide range of MABA activities and worked with agricultural organizations across Michigan in his role with Byrum & Fisk Communications.
Lippstreu previously served at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, first as an advisor to the Farm Service Agency administrator and subsequently as speechwriter for Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
“It’s an honor to lead an organization that has earned a reputation across our state and nation as a proactive, engaged, forward-looking advocate for agriculture,” said Lippstreu. “Michigan agriculture is unique and MABA’s members, leaders and staff do outstanding work every day to tell that story. There is no more important time for agriculture to be at the table on key issues than right now, and I look forward to getting to work.”
Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, Lippstreu earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska.
