AMES, Iowa – Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, is pleased to announce Kelli Wicks as their new director of government relations and public policy. Wicks brings a unique background of experience and skills that will complement the association’s policy work and continue to drive legislative efforts promoting Iowa cattle producer’s profitability and productivity.
Wicks' most recent roles as the manager of market growth and manager of international market development with the National Pork Board hold many parallels. In these roles, she was responsible for international initiatives, consumer segmentation insight integration, innovation, and the introduction of new technologies. Throughout her time with the National Pork Board, Wicks points out that knowledgeably showcasing their work for stakeholder buy-in was a top priority and has positioned her well for similar work with legislators.
Prior to the National Pork Board, Wicks served as a two-time Wallace-Carver Fellow with the USDA – ARS and FAS and as a farmer relations intern with Midwest Dairy. She also was a Borlaug-Ruan International Intern in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the International Livestock Research Institute.
Wicks holds a master's degree in international agriculture with a focus on international trade and development from Oklahoma State University. She has a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University where she double-majored in agriculture and society and international agriculture with a minor in animal science. Wicks grew up on a small cattle operation in north central Iowa. She raised and showed purebred cattle across the state and the nation.
“I have a deep passion for the agriculture industry,” said Wicks. “I am constantly striving to advocate for agriculture and everyone it impacts. In my previous work experiences, I have worked to serve producers in all facets of agriculture to make sure their voices are heard. I can’t think of a better way to utilize my skills for Iowa’s cattle farmers than by serving the members of ICA as the director of government relations and public policy.”
ICA is currently working on policy development and priorities for the upcoming year. Wicks joins the team at an opportune time to take part in this process, work collaboratively with policy committees, and strategize with ICA’s lobbyist and leadership to build upon the momentum of last year’s legislative session.
“We are excited to welcome Kelli to ICA and look forward to the unique perspective she will bring to the role,” said Bryan Whaley, ICA CEO. “Her demonstrated dedication to serving producers through her work experience with member-driven organizations and background to guide decision-making with strong buy-in will be great tools she can leverage to promote policy priorities that matter to our members.”
ICA looks forward to welcoming Kelli Wicks to the team and continuing our mission of serving Iowa’s beef cattle industry now and in the future. Wicks’ first day will be November 4, 2024.