\Hanna Abou-El-Seoud has joined the staff of Gordley Associates, a full-service government relations firm in Washington, D.C. In her new role, Abou-El-Seoud will focus on trade policy and international agricultural development issues for a range of clients, including the American Soybean Association (ASA), U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), and ASA's World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH).

"Hanna brings a fresh perspective and solid policy background to our work on trade and global food security issues," said John Gordley, founder of Gordley Associates. "We are very happy to have her on the team, and our clients will be well served by her energy as we tackle the important policy issues of trade, export market promotion, and international agricultural development."

Abou-El-Seoud joins Gordley from the staff of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, where she focused on global food security, international food aid, conservation and forestry. Prior to her tenure with the Committee, Abou-El-Seoud worked in the office of Sen. Carl Levin, as well as in the Washington, D.C. office of Trout Unlimited. A Michigan native, Abou-El-Seoud holds a bachelor's degree in international relations with a focus in science, technology and environmental policy from Michigan State University.

Founded in 1987, Gordley Associates is one of the premier agriculture and food policy firms in Washington. Since 1992, Gordley Associates has served as the Washington, D.C., office of the 23,000-member American Soybean Association, and has represented the U.S. Soybean Export Council and WISHH for the past ten years. Gordley Associates also serves as the national office of the U.S. Canola Association and the National Barley Growers Association, and represents other producer-led trade associations and agriculture-based companies.