U.S. Grains Council members gave Donna Braswell not one, but two, well-deserved standing ovations in recognition of her 25 years of service to the organization during a recent membership meeting in Panama City, Panama. 

Helen Elmore, USGC director of finance and administration, said Braswell is the backbone of USGC overseas accounting efforts. 

“She has a quiet way about her, but she really goes to bat for the Council,” said Elmore. “And after 25 years, she has so much institutional knowledge related to our work with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, FAS, rules and regulations.” 

Braswell started with the Council in 1992 as an accounting assistant and was later promoted to manager of programs before assuming her current role. She now serves as the Council’s manager of overseas accounting, supervising the Council’s compliance with FAS regulations worldwide, particularly for the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program. 

Her proficiency gained and contribution made throughout her career make Braswell an expert in her field and an invaluable member of the USGC team. 

“Donna is one of the Council’s true unsung heroes,” said Tom Sleight, USGC president and CEO. “She has, without exaggeration, saved the Council hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars through her expertise, demeanor and professionalism in working with FAS compliance officers and USGC accounting staff around the world.”