Ellen Zimmerman serves as the director of industry relations for the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, a non-profit organization that promotes the global use of U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including ethanol and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS).
In this capacity, Zimmerman is responsible for development and execution of a marketing plan for current and potential members, direct the membership recruitment, retention and funding initiatives and represent the Council at industry functions. She works with International Operations, international staff and offices to understand U.S. industry concerns and to facilitate U.S. industry involvement in and support of the Council’s global export market development programs. Additionally, she oversees all Council hosted meetings and conferences while focusing on member services. Zimmerman works on member education efforts including trade education and other key stakeholder engagement programs.
Prior to the Council, Zimmerman worked for the American Seed Trade Association as the Director of Internal Communication and Member Engagement. In this capacity she deepened relationships with member companies and was responsible for creating and implementing new ways to engage members. Zimmerman also served as the project Manager for Ohio Corn & Wheat where she worked to advance the mission of two checkoff programs and a grower’s association. As project manager, she oversaw several initiatives to represent Ohio grain farmers and provide long-term profitability. Her duties included member benefits and engagement, leadership initiatives and assisting with communications.
Zimmerman holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communication from Ohio State University.