Purdue College of Agriculture Dean's advisory Council
The Purdue Agriculture Dean's Advisory Council is comprised of individuals who represent the breadth of the food, life sciences, agriculture and natural resource system. Council members come from across the state (and beyond) and have a wide range of occupations and professional/personal backgrounds. The diverse expertise and capabilities of our Council members ensure that many perspectives are heard as we address the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly global economy and agriculture industry. Over the years, our Council members have been instrumental in helping Purdue Agriculture set and reach some important goals. Purdue Agriculture is fortunate to have exceptional individuals who invest in and support the future of agriculture.
These are the members of the Purdue Agriculture Dean’s Advisory Council:
Michael Aylesworth (2024-2027)
Indiana State Representative, District 11
Jake Bohlander (2024-2027)
Principal, Pinnacle Ag Solutions LLC
Alejandra Chavez (2023-2026)
Vice President, U.S. Multi-Channel Seed & Specialty Business, Corteva Agriscience
Maria Cooper (2024-2027)
Director of Avian Health Division, Indiana State Board of Animal Health
Cameron Frazier (2024-2027)
Agricultural Teacher & FFA Advisor, South Putnam Middle/High School
Brad Fruth (2024-2027)
Director of Innovation, Becks Hybrids
Rick Haggard (2023-2026)
Executive Director, Indiana Landscape Association
Tony Hahn (2024-2027)
Vice President of Government & Legal Affairs, Vincennes University
Jada Hoerr (2022-2025)
Chief Resource Officer, Midwest Food Bank
Lucas Huntimer (2023-2026)
Senior Director Research Development, Rumin8
Don Lamb (2023-2026)
Director, Indiana State Department of Agriculture
Ryan Martin (2024-2027)
East Region Bean Team Lead, Cargill
Joe McGuire (2023-2026)
CEO, Pure Green Farms
Rachel Miller (2022-2025)
Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Indiana Packers Corporation
Chantel Rammel (2024-2027)
Chief Operating Officer, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Inc.
Liz Rice (2024-2027)
Executive Director, Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Emil Shemer (2022-2025)
Director of Product Development, Red Gold
Brian Shuter (2023-2026)
Executive Vice President, Indiana Beef Cattle Association
Eric Steiner (2023-2026)
Senior Policy Advisor, OFW Law
Becky Thompson (2024-2027)
Director of Launch Excellence & Strategic Programs, Pfizer Global Supply
Mark Thornburg (2024-2027)
Executive Director of Legal Affairs, Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc.
Brad Walker (2022-2025)
Regional Vice President Ag Lending, Farm Credit Mid-America
Karl Weiss (2023-2026)
Chief Technology Officer, Caterpillar (retired)
Ben Wicker (2024-2027)
Executive Director, Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance
Amanda Wuestefeld (2024-2027)
Director of Fish & Wildlife, Indiana Department of Natural Resources