Robb MacKie, former president and CEO of the American Bakers Association, is joining Kansas State University’s proposed Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation as a consultant.
MacKie will serve as industry liaison, focusing on stakeholder engagement and fundraising for this initiative.
MacKie is a past chairperson for the K-State Department of Grain Sciences and Industry advisory committee.
“Robb’s enthusiasm for the College of Agriculture is infectious, and his insight and understanding of the grains industry will help us realize the vision for the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation – to feed the world and transform K-State into the premier next-generation land grant university,” said Ernie Minton, dean for the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension, in a letter.
Building on three decades of grain-based foods leadership, MacKie will be interfacing and engaging with the baking, milling, feed and pet food industries to develop support and focus on expanding and incubating the college’s public-private partnership initiatives, which are designed to teach and develop students to become industry leaders and innovators.
“It is an honor to be part of this incredible team to ensure K-State’s global leadership for food and grains,” said MacKie. “President Linton and Dean Minton have a bold vision to drive close collaboration between the university and industry stakeholders, enhancing value at all levels of the supply chain. I am extremely excited to help see this vision come to life. The level of commitment from the university and the state of Kansas is unprecedented. Now industry needs to step up and support this initiative that addresses the key workforce, research and business challenges it faces.”
