Kimberly Atkins, a longtime staffer and current director of global programs for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), will become the next vice president and chief operating officer (COO) of the organization as of Aug. 1
In her new role, she will oversee the daily operations and management of the Council including relationships with members and strategic partners and oversight of the Council’s strategic plan. Atkins has worked for the Council for 10 years, in roles focused on management and execution of the Council’s global operations.
“Having worked with Kim for many years, I am confident that her understanding of the complexities of the Council both managerially and organizationally will serve her well,� said USGC President and CEO Tom Sleight. “She is a skilled team builder and pays close attention to detail, which are critical skills to running a high-functioning organization.�
Cary Sifferath, currently USGC’s regional director for the Middle East and Africa, will take oversight of the organization’s global offices as senior director of global programs. With the Council 22 years, Sifferath has run regional offices in Southeast Asia and North Africa and country offices in Japan and China.
Atkins’ and Sifferath’s appointments are the cornerstones of a staff leadership realignment to enhance the Council’s global integration and capacity to respond to both near-term market developments and long-term market opportunities. The changes are prompted in part by the pending retirement of Dr. Erick Erickson, the organization’s current vice president, on Aug. 7.
“The work of the Council to sustain and build markets, take on increasing competition, capture value-added opportunities and maintain our relationships with customers and members requires constant vigilance and creativity,” Sleight said. “These changes to our leadership team give me every confidence we are ready to take our programs and our operations to the next level.”
Aktins, Sifferath and Erickson will all be in attendance at the Council’s 55th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting, set to be held in Montreal, Canada, next week, for those wishing to congratulate them.