Grainnet

Bloomington, IL—Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) CEO Lyle Roberts has announced he will retire in the fall, after more than 25 years of service to the state's soybean farmers and 40 years of service to agriculture.

Roberts will officially retire September 1, 2010, at the beginning of ISA's fiscal year.

"I have enjoyed my work with the ISA.

"Illinois is fortunate to have a progressive soybean farmer board that has always been on the cutting edge of research and market development efforts worldwide," says Roberts.

"ISA leaders also have always had a close working relationship with the four state agriculture universities, with other state agriculture and commodity groups and with Illinois legislators."

Roberts' leadership will be missed, says Ron Moore, ISA chairman from Roseville, IL.

"Lyle's retirement will leave an enormous void.

"He has a tremendous amount of industry knowledge and experience that will be difficult to replace," says Moore.

"We thank Lyle for his constant devotion to our livelihood and wish him the best."

ISA has already begun the search for a new CEO.

Roberts will help train the new association leader until his retirement date.

He plans to remain in central Illinois.

"I am looking forward to eliminating the day-to-day routine and enjoying time with my family," says Roberts.

"Working for Illinois soybean farmers has been a great career."

The new CEO will be responsible for developing and implementing programs approved by the ISA board, administering national soybean checkoff programs and coordinating related national and regional programs.

The CEO also will serve as spokesperson and maintain a high profile of ISA's goals, objectives, achievements and leading strategic initiatives.

The CEO is responsible for membership acquisition and maintenance, service program promotion, and coordinating public relations and legislative activities.

Qualified candidates will possess a bachelor's degree, minimum five years directing professional staff, experience developing and managing complex budgets, proven leadership success and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Association experience and knowledge of agriculture are strongly desired.

The Illinois Soybean Association is affiliated with the Illinois Farm Bureau.

To apply, visit www.ilfb.org.

The application deadline is April 5, 2010.

ISA is the statewide organization for Illinois soybean farmers. The farmers on its board administer soybean checkoff funds to support research, market development, promotions and educational programs designed to increase demand for Illinois soybeans and also administer legislative and membership programs. Contact ISA at 309-663-7692, or visit www.ilsoy.org.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• ISA

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