Lesly Weber McNitt Rejoins NCGA as Vice President of Public Policy

Lesly Weber McNitt, a longtime leader in Washington agricultural and policy circles, started this week as vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association.

McNitt previously worked at NCGA from 2017 to 2021 managing the organization's trade and biotech portfolios. In her new role, McNitt will lead NCGA's Washington office, serve as the organization's chief advocate and manage a staff of 11 people.

Corn grower leaders say McNitt is a perfect fit for the role.

"I have worked with countless advocates, lobbyists and ag leaders over the years, and I can easily say that Lesly is one of the best," said NCGA CEO Neil Caskey. "Her skills, experience and strategic vision position her as the leader we need as we navigate a challenging economic environment and advance our legislative agenda on behalf of the nation's corn growers."

McNitt said she is ready to hit the ground running.

"I am thrilled to return to NCGA in this new capacity," McNitt said. "Farmers are operating amid a dynamic policy and regulatory landscape with real repercussions for their livelihoods. I am honored to once again work with the NCGA team to advocate on behalf of our growers in the halls of power in Washington."

McNitt's agricultural experience is extensive, having served in a number of top-level positions, including chief of staff for the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, senior professional staff for the House Committee on Agriculture and most recently as a leader at the Eleanor Crook Foundation, a U.S. philanthropy dedicated to ending global malnutrition.

McNitt replaces Brooke S. Appleton who left the organization in February to serve as a deputy under secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.