ARA Names New Vice President Of Membership & Corporate Relations
June 11, 2012 The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) has added Donnie Taylor to the organization’s Washington, DC, staff to serve as the new Vice President of Membership & Corporate Relations. Taylor will be filling the position vacated by Jim Thrift, who retired from ARA full-time this spring. His official start date will be July 2.
“We’re excited to bring Donnie on board and welcome the industry knowledge and business acumen he will bring to the role,” said Daren Coppock, ARA president and CEO.
Taylor joins ARA with more than 25 years of experience working in the agriculture industry. He currently serves as a Key Account Executive for Chemtura AgroSolutions in the Western U.S., where he is responsible for managing the revenue and support of several major agricultural distributors and retailers. Prior to his position with Chemtura, Taylor held several full-time and contract positions in a sales, distribution, business development and management capacity for other major companies with agricultural products including Valent, CDMS, United Suppliers and Syngenta. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy degree from North Carolina State University.
In Taylor’s new position with ARA, he will be responsible for membership development and recruitment and management of ARA’s Member Services Committee. He will be an important informational resource for ARA members, and will also assist members with specific business or regulatory challenges impacting their operations.
“The experience that Taylor has gained from working with and for several of ARA’s member companies was a key consideration in recruiting Donnie, allowing him to bring a practical perspective to the many policy issues our members face on a daily basis,” Coppock added.
Thrift will continue to work for ARA on a part-time basis through the end of July and assist with Taylor’s transition into his new position. Any questions regarding the position should be directed to Daren Coppock at 202-457-0825.
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