ST. JOHNS – Ben Steyer of Monroe County was named the new chief executive officer of the Michigan Soybean Committee, effective Jan. 16.

“I am excited to get to work and thankful for the opportunity to lead an organization like the Michigan Soybean Committee,” Steyer said. “MSC is well-established as an asset to Michigan soybean farmers and the agriculture industry. I look forward to working with farmers and staff to identify ways to continue improving the bottom line for Michigan soybean farmers.”MSC is led by farmers.

“In his new role, Steyer will lead MSC in their efforts to ensure a strong and growing soybean industry in Michigan through strategic direction of market development, research priorities, outreach efforts and elevated management of industry programs,” MSC said. “He will also work with the Michigan Soybean Association to build grower programs, membership and legislative advocacy.”

Before joining MSC, Steyer was executive director of 1-800-SWEEPER, a co-op organization made up of independently owned and operated power sweeping companies.

“His work with the organization included continually developing new ways to bring value to the co-op members and strategically leading the organization,” MSC said. “Steyer is a forward-thinking executive with extensive experience designing action plans, optimizing relations with partners and achieving continued business development. He is an engaging team leader adept at handling a variety of functions, including team building, marketing and operations management in dynamic, fast-paced environments.” Steyer grew up on a grain farm in northwest Ohio and worked earlier in his career for a family-owned seed company that allowed him to develop skills in various aspects of business and agriculture. During his time with the company, he was selected as a board member for the Independent Professional Seed Association, which represents independently owned seed companies. On the policy and advocacy front, he has advocated for small businesses in Washington, D.C., and built relationships with legislators and regulators. He also participated in Syngenta's Leadership at Its Best program, a leader development and advocacy training program supported by the American Soybean Association.  Steyer has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tiffin University.

“The MSC board is excited to welcome Ben Steyer as the new CEO for Michigan Soybean. His desire to provide a strong return of investment to our farmers makes him a great asset to our organization and his experience leading a cooperative organization will serve Michigan soybean farmers well,” Laurie Isley, MSC president, said. Isley is a soybean farmer in Palmyra.  Steyer resides in Monroe County with his wife, Whitney, and their sons, Jackson and Tyson, near his in-laws’ corn and soybean farm.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe County man named CEO of Michigan Soybean Committee