The American Soybean Association has hired Ryan Findlay as its new CEO to replace Stephen Censky, who is now the deputy secretary at USDA. Findlay, a Michigan native, has worked for the global ag company Syngenta for the past four years.

From Caro, Michigan, where his family still farms, Findlay earned a degree in political science from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in business administration from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. Findlay also served the Michigan Farm Bureau for seven years during which he worked on two farm bills, international trade, climate change and regulatory issues. Findlay and his family are relocating to the St. Louis area, where the ASA headquarters is located.

“I am honored to be selected to lead a premier policy organization that I have worked with and admired for years,” Findlay said. “I look forward to building on Steve Censky’s strong legacy as ASA and its state affiliates continue to lead the public debate on key policy issues including farm risk management, international trade and rural infrastructure.”

Donnell Rehagen, the CEO of the National Biodiesel Board, congratulated Findlay on his new role. “ASA and its membership have been leaders in the advancement of the biodiesel industry since the beginning,” Rehagen said. “We look forward to continuing our strong relationship under Findlay’s guidance as we grow the rural economy, create jobs and add value to farm commodities through the production of America’s advanced biofuel—biodiesel.”

ASA President John Heisdorffer said, “ASA is extremely pleased to have found someone of Ryan’s caliber and experience to lead us into our next chapter as a first-class U.S. commodity organization. Ryan’s background growing up on a farm and working for the Michigan Farm Bureau and for Syngenta give him the right combination of life and work experience that will serve ASA well in the coming years.”