U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) announced several staff promotions and additions to enhance its market development efforts in South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. These moves reflect USW’s commitment to expanding demand for U.S. wheat and delivering technical expertise to international customers.
Tyllor Ledford will relocate to Manila in late spring as assistant regional director for South and Southeast Asia. She currently serves as market analyst in USW’s West Coast Office, providing timely wheat market insights.
Joe Bippert, based in Manila since 2021, was promoted to regional director, overseeing market development across the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Bangladesh.
In the Middle East and North Africa, Zakaria Jallali will join the Casablanca office as a milling and baking specialist in January 2026. He brings five years of experience and will support technical activities in the region.
Heather Wagner will join the Cape Town office as administrative assistant in February 2026, managing schedules and supporting expanded market activities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
USW President and CEO Mike Spier emphasized the importance of attracting skilled staff to provide technical support and trade services. The organization aims to meet growing demand in key markets and demonstrate the quality and value of all six U.S. wheat classes.
