New Lease On Life For OABA
December 8, 2011 
Chris Henney was brought on as president/CEO of the the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) last May, and he’s helped lead the organization through a significant overhaul in mission and strategy. CropLife® magazine caught up with Henney and got the scoop on how it happened, and how OABA built a sustainable association for long term success.
Q. How and when did the process of “starting a new course” begin? What were the key internal and external drivers that influenced the process?
A. The process really began about a year ago. My predecessor had recently announced his retirement and the OABA board decided to fully evaluate the association before determining how to move forward. Ultimately the board decided to hire a new president/CEO. When I began in May 2011, there was a 90-day transition period. I took that time to learn more about the association, meet members and think about the future. I quickly realized that the current path of the association was not sustainable. Membership had been shrinking due to industry consolidation and new revenue sources had not been identified. I also recognized that there were a lot of “missed opportunities” to help our members, primarily in the public policy arena.
In June, the board approved resources to engage a consultant to help us with a strategic planning process. The process was extremely fruitful and we have solid mission and goals to direct us for the coming years.
Q. Describe the organization’s leadership structure and their roles. How will you be present in Columbus, OH?
A. OABA is governed by a 15-member board of directors. An elected chairman and vice-chair provide leadership. My role as president/CEO is to implement the strategic plan, goals and policies of the association. I’m assisted by a small staff and a number of volunteer led committees.
Another key role of mine is that of chief lobbyist for the association. I work with our state and federal legislators and regulatory agencies to further OABA’s public policy positions.
Q. How will agriculture’s “rank and file” members be involved in the association?
A. We hope to see our members engaged in a number of different ways. One of the most important ways is to help us identify industry issues and develop public policy to address said issues. Members will also be asked to engage their elected officials from time to time as the need arises.
Members also have a host of educational seminars, workshops and conferences available to help them grow as professionals and get the continuing education credits they need.
Q. What are the key issues in Ohio that OABA will be working through in the months ahead?
A. There are two issues that are front and center for our members right now; the first is water quality. Unfortunately, there are algae issues in a couple of Ohio’s water bodies that are a result of too much phosphorous. OABA, along with our member companies involved in the fertilizer industry, is taking a proactive stance on reducing phosphorous run off from Ohio’s fields. We are currently working with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency through a Nutrient and Water Quality Working Group on recommendations to reduce phosphorous run off. These recommendations are to be presented to the Governor in February. We believe that the 4Rs should be an integral part of any final recommendations.
One other issue on the table is the state of Ohio’s gross revenue tax called the Commercial Activity Tax. While we support the tax, we have some concerns with the inequities it has created in the grain industry. We are actively working to remove these inequities.
Q. Will you be able to establish some common ground with the Ohio Farm Bureau (OFB)? Are there areas that you can work cooperatively?
A. I worked at the OFB for over a decade and have already been working with them on a couple common issues. OFB is a strong advocate for Ohio agriculture and are a valuable resource to OABA and many other ag groups in the state.
For more information on OABA, visit www.oaba.net.
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