Abath And Iliohan Join Council As Newest Headquarters Staff

Abath And Iliohan Join Council As Newest Headquarters Staff
The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) welcomed two new staff members to its Washington, D.C., headquarters team this week.

Imby Abath joins the Council as the new manager of innovation and sustainability within the trade policy and biotechnology department. In this role, Abath will develop programs focused on biotechnology, innovation and sustainability; create and implement worldwide initiatives to reduce non-tariff trade barriers related to the export of coarse grains and co-products; and represent USGC in industry and government forums with a focus on market access to advance technology.

Abath has had experience investigating the feasibility of biodiesel processing at the University of California-Davis, including managing the creation of a zero-net energy course for undergraduate and graduate students, and has also worked for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to benchmark sustainability efforts and track progress toward Sustainable 2050 objectives.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in environment, economy, development and sustainability from The Ohio State University, with a master’s in energy systems from UC-Davis.

“Imby’s unique experience and education will help us move our sustainability initiatives forward as customers in the marketplace continue to show more interest in the environmental impacts of food production,” said Andrew Brandt, director of trade policy.

Amelia Iliohan is the newest member of the industry relations team, joining it as the new manager of industry relations. She will be responsible for the Council’s membership accounts, deliverables and billing membership database. Iliohan will also work closely with the meeting manager on core meeting management services.

Iliohan comes to USGC from the American Farm Bureau Federation, where she was the project coordinator for the leadership, education and engagement team. She also has previous experience working with Kentucky Farm Bureau and on Capitol Hill.

“Originally from Kentucky and with a farming background, I am confident that Amelia will quickly build strong rapport with our members and stakeholders to advance the mission of the Council and the priorities of our members,” said Ellen Zimmerman, USGC director of industry relations.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Iliohan is currently continuing her education at the University of Florida where she is working toward a master’s degree in agriculture communication.

Please join the Council in welcoming Imby and Amelia!