NGFA Announces Retirement of President Kendell Keith

NGFA Chairman Reed also cited Keith’s leadership in the “tremendous growth” in the NGFA’s membership, particularly during the past decade despite the challenge of increased industry consolidation.  “Further, his strong management of our Association’s finances has put the NGFA in the enviable position of being able to reduce or provide rebates of our members’ dues investments in three of the last four years,” Reed said.  “I’m not aware of another national trade association that can make a similar claim.”

Keith said the ability to attract companies and grow membership came hand-in-hand with the NGFA’s growing reputation as an effective policy voice in Washington and elsewhere.  “In that regard, the NGFA has never been stronger,” he said.

Keith also extended his appreciation to the NGFA’s staff and officer leaders, as well as the “outstanding” industry members serving on the NGFA’s 17 committees.  “I had the good fortune to hire all the current staff except Randy Gordon (who joined the NGFA’s staff in 1978), and take great pride in the quality of the staff I’ve been able to attract to serve the industry,” he said.  “The organization is in incredibly good hands.

“As I leave the NGFA, I’ll be doing some new things with and for the industry, and plan to maintain contact,” Keith said. 

Keith has accepted the NGFA’s invitation to attend its March 18-20 convention in Charleston, S.C., where he will be recognized for his three decades of service to the industry.

“Kendell has left an indelible and enduring legacy on the NGFA and the industry, and positioned our Association for continued success and a very bright future in serving the grain, feed, grain processing and export sectors as we seek to meet the challenge of feeding a growing world,” concluded NGFA Executive Committee Chairman Coyle.

The NGFA’s membership encompasses all sectors of the industry, including country, terminal and export elevators; feed and feed ingredient manufacturers; biofuels companies; cash grain and feed merchants; end users of grain and grain products, including processors, flour millers, and livestock and poultry integrators; commodity futures brokers and commission merchants; and allied industries.