Tom took the reins in 2012 and has never looked back. His innovative mind has helped to make Minnesota Soybean a national leader. Tom has oversaw the creation of several new non-profit and for-profit entities, including Plasma Blue, the Ag Innovation Campus, NovelSoy and TruSoya. In 2017, Tom along with farmer leaders helped create Ag Management Solutions, an association management firm. Throughout his career, Tom has launched several products, services and companies, many of which are still relevant today. His previous experience includes serving as executive director of the Ethanol Promotion & Information Council, Omaha, Neb., and vice president of marketing for the National Corn Growers Association, St. Louis. In addition, Tom worked with the Urban Air Initiative and Phibro Animal Health where he was vice president of marketing for PhibroChem, a specialty supply company focused on ethanol and animal agriculture in New Jersey. Starting with New Jersey-based American Cyanamid, Tom has successfully blended the corporate urgency of return on investment with the day-to-day needs of members and policy makers for the industry. Tom is a native of South Dakota and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business from South Dakota State University in Brookings. Tom and his wife, Robyn, have three sons, Wyat, William and Jack.

Fun Tom fact: Tom’s journey throughout his career has allowed him to live in and experience life in five different states, with Mankato being home for the more than 10 years.