ASA Chief Executive Officer Stephen Censky has named James M. Guinn to head the International Marketing Department of the Amercian Soybean Association, a position previously held by Censky. "Jim's dedication, his knowledge of ASA's international programs and the respect he has earned from farmers, industry and his colleagues bear witness to why he was selected to lead ASA's international marketing effort," Censky said. ASA is a national, not-for-profit, nonpartisan, volunteer, farmer-controlled commodity organization with 29,000 members that works to strengthen soybeans as an economically and environmentally sound cropping opportunity in the best interest of soybean growers and the public.

As Executive Director for International Marketing, Guinn will manage a $22 million market development program designed to increase demand for US soybeans and soybean products which last year totaled nearly $8 billion in exports. Reporting to Guinn will be a staff of 11 located at ASA's Saint Louis, Missouri, headquarters, in addition to more than 90 foreign-based staff and consultants located in 12 overseas offices who work in 77 countries worldwide. Guinn has worked for ASA more than ten years, most recently as Deputy Director, International Marketing, after serving seven years as Technical Director of Quality Programs.

Guinn also worked as ASA Marketing Manager for Central Europe located in Vienna, Austria. Prior to joining ASA, Guinn was Plant Manager for Bunge Corporation at their largest US export facility located in Destrehan, Louisiana, which handles soybeans, wheat, corn and sorghum. Bunge also processed soybeans at this location. Guinn, originally from Erwin, Tennessee, received his Bachelor's of Arts degree in Economics from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina.

ASA Executive Committee member John Blaska, a producer from Marshall, Wisconsin, and Chairman of ASA's International Promotion Committee, said, "Jim Guinn has the experience and the skills necessary to effectively manage the great diversity of international projects for which ASA is responsible. I look forward to working more closely with Jim as we promote US soybeans around the world." Guinn's promotion became effective on May 2nd.