The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council recently welcomed three staff members to strengthen its global operations and domestic programs.
Arup Mitra joined as Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, based in New Delhi, India. Tom Poole was hired as Ethanol Economics and Policy Manager, and Jadyn Taylor began work as Industry Relations Intern at the Washington, D.C. headquarters.
Mitra brings nearly three decades of experience in U.S.-India trade relationships. He previously worked at Godavari Biorefineries, one of India’s largest ethanol producers, and served as director at the U.S. Commercial Service in East India.
“Arup brings exceptional experience to his role and will be an excellent fit for the organization as he bolsters the Council’s operations in the region,” said Reece Cannady, USGBC Regional Director for South Asia.
Mitra holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Jadavpur University and a master’s degree in business administration and marketing from the Indian Institute of Management. He will work alongside Cannady to strengthen U.S. agricultural producers’ market share in South Asia.
Poole will support the Council’s ethanol team through data analysis and policy recommendations while representing the industry at international energy and transportation forums. He most recently served as an international marketing specialist at USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
“U.S. ethanol exports continue to set records year over year, and with so much room still to grow across its many applications, we are excited to have Tom on board,” said Alicia Koch, USGBC director for global ethanol export development.
Taylor, a University of Nebraska sophomore majoring in hospitality, restaurant and tourism management, will assist with the Council’s 66th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Milwaukee July 29-31 and Export Exchange 2026 in Seattle Oct. 15-17.
“Each year, the Council partners with Nebraska Corn to welcome a summer intern and we are delighted to have Jadyn with us,” said Ellen S. Zimmerman, USGBC director of industry relations.
