Knupp to lead United Soybean Board as new CEO in October
The United Soybean Board announced July 21 that Courtney Knupp will join the organization as its CEO starting Oct. 1.
Knupp currently serves as director of global supply chain at the National Security Council.
USB’s board of farmer-leaders, representing more than 30 states, ratified the decision at its July board meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“Courtney is the right leader at the right time to advance the work of the Soy Checkoff℠ and our vision of delivering sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day,” said USB Chair Brent Gatton. “She brings the strategic vision, deep agricultural understanding and proven leadership our farmer-leaders set out to find, along with a genuine commitment to increasing return on investment for U.S. soybean farmers. We look forward to the momentum she will bring to our mission.”
Knupp brings nearly two decades of experience spanning agriculture, international trade, public policy and market development.
She currently serves as director of global supply chain at the National Security Council, coordinating U.S. policy to strengthen the resilience of the agriculture and food sectors, and previously served as senior policy advisor to the U.S. secretary and deputy secretary of agriculture on trade and food safety.
Her checkoff and export experience includes serving as vice president of international market development at the National Pork Board, where U.S. pork exports grew to $8.6 billion, and as director of global animal and aquaculture nutrition at the U.S. Soybean Export Council, where she led strategy to increase the value of U.S. soybean and soybean-meal exports.
Earlier in her career, Knupp held chief of staff roles at USDA, led international trade policy for the National Pork Producers Council and held commercial roles at BASF and Elanco Animal Health.
She grew up on her family’s farm in Iowa where she remains engaged and earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and international agriculture from Iowa State University.
“Soy touches every life, every day, from the food we eat and the feed that powers animal agriculture to fuel and industrial uses,” Knupp said. “The checkoff exists to deliver value back to the farm gate, and that mission is personal to me. I grew up on our family farm in Iowa where we still grow soybeans and it is an honor to work alongside USB’s farmer-leaders, staff and partners to position U.S. soy for success in a competitive global marketplace.”
USB board members and staff outlined their CEO criteria, emphasizing leadership, strategic acumen, staff and program management, and a strong connection to agriculture and soy.
In interviews with the search and selection committees, comprising farmer-leaders, Knupp surpassed those expectations.
Knupp will relocate to USB’s headquarters in Chesterfield, Missouri.
Knupp will remain a federal employee until early September and has recused herself from soybean matters.
Her anticipated start date will be Oct. 1.
