NASDA Strengthens Policy Leadership The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture has appointed Brianna Robinson-Verloop as senior director of public policy, effective September 8. In the role, Robinson-Verloop will oversee the organization's advocacy efforts on behalf of state agriculture departments and their constituents. Robinson-Verloop brings 15 years of experience in agricultural policy, including positions at the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, where she most recently served as director of animal and animal products. She previously worked with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and completed a Brookings Institute Legislative Fellowship in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her background includes representing the U.S. in international negotiations and forums focused on food safety and trade policy. "I am thrilled to join NASDA and lead the policy team in advancing policy priorities that unite people around a shared purpose, strengthening agriculture from the ground up," Robinson-Verloop said. "My experience in federal food safety, trade and regulatory policy has shown me that smart, practical policy solutions deliver real impact for farmers, ranchers and communities. Working collaboratively with state departments of agriculture, I look forward to advocating for policy solutions that turn challenges into opportunities and help agriculture thrive for generations." NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said the hire strengthens the organization's advocacy capacity. "We are excited to welcome Brianna to NASDA and look forward to the leadership and expertise she will bring to our policy team," McKinney said. "Her extensive experience across agriculture, food safety and trade policy, combined with her strong understanding of the policymaking process, will be a tremendous asset as we advocate for the priorities of state departments of agriculture and the farmers and ranchers they represent." Robinson-Verloop holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from Cal Poly Pomona and a master's degree in agriculture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Why It Matters
State agriculture departments rely on federal policy alignment to execute their regulatory and promotional mandates. NASDA's policy leadership directly influences commodity protocols, food safety standards, and trade agreements that shape operating conditions for farms, processors, and retailers across the supply chain.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
