NAWG executive director to step down

From NAWG

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) has announced Jim Palmer has decided to step down as its chief executive officer effective May 31, 2016.

“Jim has been a tremendous and tireless advocate of the U.S. wheat grower specifically, and the U.S. wheat industry in general, during his tenure as our CEO,” stated NAWG President Gordon Stoner, a Montana wheat grower. “While we certainly don’t want him to leave NAWG, Jim made it very clear to our executive committee recently that he strongly desired to reduce or eliminate a majority of his professional and personal obligations to spend more quality time with his far-flung family. Our entire officer team is very understanding and supportive of Jim’s personal decision.”

Stoner said NAWG will immediately begin its national search for a new CEO and has asked Palmer to assist the executive committee in managing that effort. Stoner emphasized that NAWG is in excellent financial shape and has assembled a very talented and dedicated advocacy and technical support staff, thanks to Palmer’s recruitment skills and enthusiasm for wheat and those who produce it.

“Our strong financial position and excellent staff will serve as Jim’s legacy,” said Stoner. “Without his consummate financial skills and grassroots insight, NAWG would never have been able to achieve what it has since he came onboard in 2013. And, we really appreciate his desire to ensure a smooth transition.”

Palmer said the time is right for a change for both him personally and professionally and for the organization.

“I have decided not to renew my contract because I believe now is a great time for NAWG to have a CEO with different skill sets than mine. I have strongly recommended to our executive committee that they seek someone with proven agriculture policy success as its top skill-set priority, said Palmer. “While financial and staff management acumen are certainly necessary in any CEO position, top-level agriculture policy development and advocacy experience is very much needed by NAWG as we enter into negotiations for the next farm bill. This particular skill set would complement perfectly our current excellent advocacy and technical support staff.”

Stoner and Palmer said NAWG will begin accepting qualified resumes immediately. A position guide will be posted on the NAWG website soon. Stoner stated that Palmer would be coordinating the receipt of resumes, but would not be serving on the search committee. Anyone interested in seeking the NAWG CEO position should send their letter of interest, resume, references and salary requirements to the attention of Jim Palmer, CEO, National Wheat Growers Association, 415 Second St., NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002. Or, e-mail those documents to ceo@wheatworld.org. Resumes and accompanying documents need to be received by NAWG no later than May 2, 2016, to be considered.