Duane Simpson to Succeed Chuck Conner as President, CEO of National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

May 28, 2025 Kevin

Duane Simpson (at left) has been named the new President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC). He succeeds Indiana-native Chuck Conner (at right), who has served in that role since 2009. Simpson photo courtesy of NCFC. Conner photo by C.J. Miller / Hoosier Ag Today.

The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) has announced the selection of Duane Simpson as its next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Simpson succeeds Chuck Conner, who has led the organization since 2009. Conner is a native of Benton County, Indiana and a graduate of Purdue University. Conner also served as Deputy Secretary and Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture during President George W. Bush’s administration.

Simpson will formally assume the role on July 14, 2025, coinciding with the opening of NCFC’s annual Washington Conference.

“Duane’s enthusiasm about the future of agriculture is just what NCFC needs in today’s climate of uncertainty and risks,” said Kevin Brinkley, Chairman of NCFC and CEO of Plains Cotton Cooperative Association. “His leadership skills will help NCFC navigate the ever-changing terrain of government and markets, ensuring that it continues as one of the country’s most relevant and respected agricultural organizations.”

“NCFC is a strong organization thanks to the work of Chuck and his outstanding staff,” added Brinkley. “We’re grateful for his dedication over the last 16 years and his impact on behalf of America’s farmer-owned cooperatives.”

Simpson brings a wealth of experience over the last three decades of work in agricultural policy, industry relations, and organizational leadership. He has spent the last 17 years at Bayer, leading state and federal government relations, stakeholder affairs, sustainability, and product stewardship teams.

He is the current chairman of the Agriculture and Environment Section of the BIO Board of Directors and represents Bayer at CropLife America and the American Chemistry Council. Before Bayer, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the Kansas Grain & Feed Association, where he represented agribusinesses, including farmer-owned co-ops, at the state and federal levels. He also has almost a decade of policy and political experience in legislative leadership offices and in political campaigns.

“I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead NCFC and to work alongside the dedicated professionals throughout the cooperative family,” said Simpson. “NCFC’s mission, to advance the business and policy interests of America’s cooperatives and other farmer-owned enterprises, is as vital today as it was when NCFC was founded nearly a century ago. I look forward to building upon the strong legacy of advocacy for agriculture that Chuck Conner has established.”