Stephen L. Censky, Chief Executive Officer of the American Soybean Association (ASA) announced today that Christopher A. Novak has joined the Association staff as Special Assistant to the CEO. Censky said, "Chris brings nine years of agricultural and environmental policy and program management experience to ASA. He will work with ASA farmer leaders and our Washington staff to support initiatives favorable to U.S. soybean producers. Other than myself, Chris will be ASA’s chief policy person in Saint Louis. He will assist me in all matters relating to the management of the association, and he will be responsible for managing special projects.

Novak most recently served as the Executive Director of the Terrene Institute, a national environmental education nonprofit organization located in Alexandria, Virginia, where he directed administrative, personnel and program activities including fundraising, strategic planning and board development. Prior to that Novak was Director of Environmental Services (1992-95) for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), and before that, he was NPPC’s Director of Public Policy (1990-92). He also served as Legislative Assistant (1987-90) to Iowa Senator Charles Grassley.

"I am very pleased that Chris is joining us in our work for U.S. soybean producers," Censky added. "As Special Assistant to the CEO, Chris will have an opportunity to integrate his legislative and political experience into effective programs for soybean producers." Novak has a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa. He is a member of the Virginia Bar Association. Novak will be assigned to ASA’s headquarters located here.

ASA represents more than 31,700 soybean producer members in 29 states. Last year the U.S. soybean crop had a value of more than $17 billion, of which more than half was exported as whole soybeans, soybean meal, or soybean oil adding positively to the United States’ trade balance.