The North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) has appointed Augusto Bassanini as its new chair of the board of directors during its annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Bassanini, president and CEO of United Grain Corporation since 2013, has been a member of the NAEGA board since 2016 and served as secretary since 2019.
NAEGA President and CEO Alejandra Castillo praised Bassanini’s leadership and experience, expressing confidence in his ability to guide the association’s continued growth. Bassanini succeeds Matt Hopkins of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, who led the board from March 2024 and was recognized for his contributions to NAEGA’s reorganization and strategic positioning.
“I am honored to be appointed to the helm of an organization with over 100 years of history in service of the North American agricultural export industry,” Bassanini said. He emphasized his commitment to expanding NAEGA’s programs and advocating on critical trade policy issues amid a challenging global environment.
During the meeting, Jeff Wilson of Zen-Noh Grain Corporation was named secretary, replacing Bassanini.
NAEGA’s 2025 Annual Report highlighted efforts to promote trade reliability through contract training seminars across North America, advocacy on trade policies including USMCA renewal and EU deforestation regulations, and strengthening global partnerships. The association also relocated to the historic Whittemore House in Washington, D.C., and expanded its membership and staff to support its tactical plan.
