2022 MABA Outlook Conference Program
Thursday, September 15
6:00 PM | Evening reception, Grand Hotel Porch
Friday, September 16
8:30 - 11:30 AM | General Session, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
12:00 - 1:30 PM | Luncheon (Spouses/Guests Invited)
6:00 PM | Evening Reception, Grand Hotel Porch, 6:00 PM
Dinner on your own on the Island
Saturday, September 17
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | General Session
11:30 AM | Adjournment
Featured Speakers
Rostin Behnam
Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
"The CFTC and Michigan Agriculture"
Rostin Behnam was sworn in as the CFTC’s 15th Chairman on January 4, 2022 after being unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. President Biden nominated Chairman Behnam to lead the agency. Previously, Chairman Behnam served as CFTC Commissioner since September, 2017. Since joining the CFTC, Chairman Behnam has individually and as sponsor of the CFTC’s Market Risk Advisory Committee (MRAC) advocated for the CFTC to use its authority and expertise to ensure the derivatives markets operate transparently and fairly for participants and customers, and innovate responsibly to address evolving market structures and products and the emergence and movement of risk across clearinghouses, exchanges, intermediaries, market makers and end-users within an appropriate oversight framework. Through his MRAC sponsorship, Chairman Behnam convened leading market experts and public interest groups to engage in public dialogue on such timely issues as global interest rate benchmark reform, central counterparty (CCP) risk and governance, evolving market structures, and since the summer of 2019, climate-related market risk.
Rostin Behnam
Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
"The CFTC and Michigan Agriculture"
Rostin Behnam was sworn in as the CFTC’s 15th Chairman on January 4, 2022 after being unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. President Biden nominated Chairman Behnam to lead the agency. Previously, Chairman Behnam served as CFTC Commissioner since September, 2017. Since joining the CFTC, Chairman Behnam has individually and as sponsor of the CFTC’s Market Risk Advisory Committee (MRAC) advocated for the CFTC to use its authority and expertise to ensure the derivatives markets operate transparently and fairly for participants and customers, and innovate responsibly to address evolving market structures and products and the emergence and movement of risk across clearinghouses, exchanges, intermediaries, market makers and end-users within an appropriate oversight framework. Through his MRAC sponsorship, Chairman Behnam convened leading market experts and public interest groups to engage in public dialogue on such timely issues as global interest rate benchmark reform, central counterparty (CCP) risk and governance, evolving market structures, and since the summer of 2019, climate-related market risk.
Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Michigan State University
"The Present and Future of Michigan State University"
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Teresa Woodruff, together with Extension Director, Dr. Quentin Tyler, as keynote speakers at the MABA Outlook Conference. As Provost of Michigan State University, Dr. Woodruff is a key member of the executive leadership of Michigan State University and plays a pivotal role in the strategic direction of the University. She is an MSU Foundation Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. As a leading research scientist, Woodruff was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mentoring in 2011; and was a recipient of the Endocrine Society’s 2021 Laureate Award, a top honor that recognizes the highest achievements in the field of endocrinology. She holds 13 U.S. Patents and is an elected fellow of multiple professional research organizations. Dr. Woodruff earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology from Northwestern University and holds a B.S. in Zoology and Chemistry from Olivet Nazarene University.
Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Michigan State University
"The Present and Future of Michigan State University"
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Teresa Woodruff, together with Extension Director, Dr. Quentin Tyler, as keynote speakers at the MABA Outlook Conference. As Provost of Michigan State University, Dr. Woodruff is a key member of the executive leadership of Michigan State University and plays a pivotal role in the strategic direction of the University. She is an MSU Foundation Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. As a leading research scientist, Woodruff was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mentoring in 2011; and was a recipient of the Endocrine Society’s 2021 Laureate Award, a top honor that recognizes the highest achievements in the field of endocrinology. She holds 13 U.S. Patents and is an elected fellow of multiple professional research organizations. Dr. Woodruff earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology from Northwestern University and holds a B.S. in Zoology and Chemistry from Olivet Nazarene University.
Dr. Quentin Tyler
Associate Dean and Director of Michigan State University Extension
On May 1, 2021, Dr. Quentin Tyler assumed leadership of Michigan State University Extension (MSUE). Dr. Tyler’s focus is on supporting and enhancing MSUE’s traditional programs that have made the organization a national leader, but also looking toward innovative and creative ways to reach out to new audiences under MSUE’s mission. Dr. Tyler began his career in Extension at age 18 when he interned as an agricultural agent in Christian County, Kentucky. He went on to serve Kentucky in both 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences and as assistant dean at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Dr. Tyler joined the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources team as associate dean and director of diversity, equity and inclusion in 2018 after a holding in a similar role at Kentucky.
Gary McDowell
Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
"State of Michigan Priorities"
Director Gary McDowell was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to lead MDARD in December 2018. Prior to becoming Director, Mr. McDowell served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2005-2010. Director McDowell was born and raised on a farm in Rudyard, Michigan. He was formerly an owner/operator of a family business with his brothers, McDowell Brothers Farm and McDowell Hay Incorporated, which brokers hay sales from the eastern Upper Peninsula to markets around the nation. Prior to serving in the legislature, McDowell was a member of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners for 22 years. He was also a UPS delivery driver for 30 years and was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for 18 years. Director McDowell, thank you for your career of service to the people of Michigan, and welcome.
Travis Jones
Incoming President and Chief Executive Officer, Greenstone Farm Credit Services
"State of the Agricultural Economy"
Prior to being named as the next President and CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Travis Jones served as the cooperative’s Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer; he assumes the chief leadership role on August 1, 2022 following Dave Armstrong’s retirement. Jones joined the GreenStone cooperative in September 2007 as CFO. Jones grew up on a small farm in Chapin, Michigan and now lives in Owosso with his wife Sue, where they together raised three children. Travis believes it is important to make a difference in the communities where we live and serve. He leads by example, leveraging his financial expertise on the board of the Michigan Finance Authority to help provide impactful, affordable loans for cities, colleges, and public schools, plus serves on the Michigan FFA Association board providing support to the year-round agriscience curriculum and youth development activities.
Brad Morrill
Chief Customer Experience Officer & VP Crystal Flash
"Energy Markets and Supply Chains"
Brad Morrill is a nine-year team member of Crystal Flash and currently serves on the executive management team as the Chief Customer Experience Officer. In his role, Brad leads the company’s sales and marketing efforts across both its business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) customer segments. Immediately prior to Crystal Flash, Brad spent five years “renting his brain” to companies who hired him for various strategy, financial planning, process improvement, and general management projects. Notable projects included helping one client recoup tens of thousands of dollars in overpaid taxes and another client sell one portion of their business to refocus the company on a specific growth opportunity. Brad is a U.S. Army Infantry veteran who served in the Presidential Honor Guard (The Old Guard) in Washington D.C. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Quentin Tyler
Associate Dean and Director of Michigan State University Extension
On May 1, 2021, Dr. Quentin Tyler assumed leadership of Michigan State University Extension (MSUE). Dr. Tyler’s focus is on supporting and enhancing MSUE’s traditional programs that have made the organization a national leader, but also looking toward innovative and creative ways to reach out to new audiences under MSUE’s mission. Dr. Tyler began his career in Extension at age 18 when he interned as an agricultural agent in Christian County, Kentucky. He went on to serve Kentucky in both 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences and as assistant dean at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Dr. Tyler joined the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources team as associate dean and director of diversity, equity and inclusion in 2018 after a holding in a similar role at Kentucky.
Travis Jones
Incoming President and Chief Executive Officer, Greenstone Farm Credit Services
"State of the Agricultural Economy"
Prior to being named as the next President and CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Travis Jones served as the cooperative’s Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer; he assumes the chief leadership role on August 1, 2022 following Dave Armstrong’s retirement. Jones joined the GreenStone cooperative in September 2007 as CFO. Jones grew up on a small farm in Chapin, Michigan and now lives in Owosso with his wife Sue, where they together raised three children. Travis believes it is important to make a difference in the communities where we live and serve. He leads by example, leveraging his financial expertise on the board of the Michigan Finance Authority to help provide impactful, affordable loans for cities, colleges, and public schools, plus serves on the Michigan FFA Association board providing support to the year-round agriscience curriculum and youth development activities.
Gary McDowell
Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
"State of Michigan Priorities"
Director Gary McDowell was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to lead MDARD in December 2018. Prior to becoming Director, Mr. McDowell served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2005-2010. Director McDowell was born and raised on a farm in Rudyard, Michigan. He was formerly an owner/operator of a family business with his brothers, McDowell Brothers Farm and McDowell Hay Incorporated, which brokers hay sales from the eastern Upper Peninsula to markets around the nation. Prior to serving in the legislature, McDowell was a member of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners for 22 years. He was also a UPS delivery driver for 30 years and was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for 18 years. Director McDowell, thank you for your career of service to the people of Michigan, and welcome.
Dr. Cesar Cruz Jr.
Director of Research, Advance Trading
Dr. Cesar Cruz, Jr. joined Advance Trading, Inc. in January of 2022. He has spent the past 15 years working in the university setting as an Economics Professor, Research Scholar and University Consultant. During his tenure as a professor, he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in fundamental subjects associated with Risk Management at the Federal University of Sao Carlos and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Cruz earned a PhD in Applied Economics from the University of Sao Paulo, a Master of Science in Applied Economics and Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Federal University of Vicosa. Dr. Cruz currently resides in Northern Illinois with his wife and young daughter.
Dr. Cesar Cruz Jr.
Director of Research, Advance Trading
Dr. Cesar Cruz, Jr. joined Advance Trading, Inc. in January of 2022. He has spent the past 15 years working in the university setting as an Economics Professor, Research Scholar and University Consultant. During his tenure as a professor, he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in fundamental subjects associated with Risk Management at the Federal University of Sao Carlos and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Cruz earned a PhD in Applied Economics from the University of Sao Paulo, a Master of Science in Applied Economics and Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Federal University of Vicosa. Dr. Cruz currently resides in Northern Illinois with his wife and young daughter.
Sarah Hubbard
Partner, Acuitas | University of Michigan Regent
"The 2022 Election"
Sarah Hubbard was elected to an 8-year term on the University of Michigan Board of Regents on November 3, 2020. Sarah grew up on a farm in Union City and was active in Republican politics from an early age. Her father, Jerry Hubbard, was a Branch County Commissioner and Union Township Supervisor. She served as a precinct delegate since 1990, is often a delegate to the state convention, and has attended several Republican National Conventions as part of the Michigan delegation. Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts from the College of Literature Science and Arts at the University of Michigan, Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University, and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Professionally, Sarah started her career as a legislative staffer, first for State Senator Nick Smith (R - Addison) and then State Representative Willis C. Bullard, Jr. (R - Highland). Sarah spent considerable time on the campaign trail working to elect Republican candidates including as campaign manager for State Representative Bill Martin (R - Battle Creek) and as a volunteer on Bill Schuette's U.S. Senate Campaign.
Brad Morrill
Chief Customer Experience Officer & VP Crystal Flash
"Energy Markets and Supply Chains"
Brad Morrill is a nine-year team member of Crystal Flash and currently serves on the executive management team as the Chief Customer Experience Officer. In his role, Brad leads the company’s sales and marketing efforts across both its business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) customer segments. Immediately prior to Crystal Flash, Brad spent five years “renting his brain” to companies who hired him for various strategy, financial planning, process improvement, and general management projects. Notable projects included helping one client recoup tens of thousands of dollars in overpaid taxes and another client sell one portion of their business to refocus the company on a specific growth opportunity. Brad is a U.S. Army Infantry veteran who served in the Presidential Honor Guard (The Old Guard) in Washington D.C. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Paul Isely
Associate Dean and Professor of Economics, Grand Valley State University
Dr. Paul Isely is currently Associate Dean and Professor of Economics for the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. Dr. Isely’s research has led more than 50 publications which consist of peer review journal articles, local articles, research reports and grant reports. These articles have explored West Michigan’s economy and its relationship to the National and State Economies. His research led to his first appointment by Governor Snyder and then renewed by Governor Whitmer of Michigan to the Utility Consumer Participation Board where he is currently the Interim Chair.
Jim Byrum
Executive Director, Riveron
Jim Byrum serves as Executive Director at Riveron, a national business advisory firm specializing in accounting, finance, technology, and operations. In this role, Jim is bringing his decades of industry experience as a business owner and association executive to advise some of the world’s largest companies, across multiple sectors, on their operations and their long-term strategy. Jim also remains very active in Michigan agriculture, serving on the Board of Directors for Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch and helping agricultural interests look to the future.
Allie Pan
SVP Emerging Risks Group, Marsh
"Building a Resilient Organization Amid Evolving Risks"
Allison (Allie) Pan is a Senior Vice President in the Emerging Risks Group of Marsh Risk Consulting where she helps clients understand their strategic risks with a focus on cyber and strategic risk management. Allie joined Marsh through the 2019 acquisition of JLT. Prior to JLT, Allie was a strategy consultant at Deloitte Consulting, specializing in helping Federal agency and private sector clients with supply chain strategy, supply chain risk triage and optimization, and digital supply chain transformation. Prior to Deloitte, Allie served as an active duty Intelligence Officer in the US Army. Allie has supported every echelon within the Army, including tactical combat units, strategic regional commands, Army Headquarters in the Pentagon, and with joint special operations units. As a Senior Intelligence Analyst for Army Headquarters, she advised senior Army leaders including the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army, on emerging crises impacting Army equities worldwide. Allie has operational experience in Afghanistan, Iraq, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. Allie holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Arts from the University of Hawaii, where she was an East – West Fellow.
Jonathan Coppess
Director of the Gardner Agriculture Policy Program, University of Illinois
"The Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey"
Jonathan Coppess is on faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, director of the Gardner Agriculture Policy Program and author of THE FAULT LINES OF FARM POLICY: A LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL HISTORY OF THE FARM BILL. He has served as Chief Counsel and special counsel for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Administrator of the Farm Service Agency at USDA; and Legislative Assistant to Senator Ben Nelson. Jonathan grew up on his family’s farm in Western Ohio, earned his Bachelors’ from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and his Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC.
Jonathan Coppess
Director of the Gardner Agriculture Policy Program, University of Illinois
"The Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey"
Jonathan Coppess is on faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, director of the Gardner Agriculture Policy Program and author of THE FAULT LINES OF FARM POLICY: A LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL HISTORY OF THE FARM BILL. He has served as Chief Counsel and special counsel for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Administrator of the Farm Service Agency at USDA; and Legislative Assistant to Senator Ben Nelson. Jonathan grew up on his family’s farm in Western Ohio, earned his Bachelors’ from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and his Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC.
Allie Pan
SVP Emerging Risks Group, Marsh
"Building a Resilient Organization Amid Evolving Risks"
Allison (Allie) Pan is a Senior Vice President in the Emerging Risks Group of Marsh Risk Consulting where she helps clients understand their strategic risks with a focus on cyber and strategic risk management. Allie joined Marsh through the 2019 acquisition of JLT. Prior to JLT, Allie was a strategy consultant at Deloitte Consulting, specializing in helping Federal agency and private sector clients with supply chain strategy, supply chain risk triage and optimization, and digital supply chain transformation. Prior to Deloitte, Allie served as an active duty Intelligence Officer in the US Army. Allie has supported every echelon within the Army, including tactical combat units, strategic regional commands, Army Headquarters in the Pentagon, and with joint special operations units. As a Senior Intelligence Analyst for Army Headquarters, she advised senior Army leaders including the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army, on emerging crises impacting Army equities worldwide. Allie has operational experience in Afghanistan, Iraq, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. Allie holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Arts from the University of Hawaii, where she was an East – West Fellow.
Dr. Tim Boring
Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Dr. Tim Boring serves as the Director for MDARD supporting the department's continued commitment in investing in the state’s rural communities, expanding food and agriculture businesses, protecting consumers from the pump to the plate, and preserving Michigan’s environmental resources. He previously served as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency. Boring's family operates a six-generation farm in Stockbridge, Michigan. Prior to his appointment at the USDA, he was the president and founder of Michigan Agriculture Advancement. He also previously served as the Vice President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association and worked as research director of the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. Governor Whitmer had previously appointed Dr. Boring to the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2019. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriscience, Master of Science in Crop and Soil Sciences, and Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State University.
Jeff Mayes
Executive Director, Business Customer Care, Consumers Energy
Jeff Mayes is Executive Director of Business Customer Care for Consumers Energy. Mayes has overall responsibility for business customers in the company’s service territory. Mayes joined Consumers Energy in 2011 as an area manager, serving as company liaison and conducting community outreach among customers in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Mecosta and Osceola counties. He also served as Director of Economic Development from 2013 – 2018. Prior to joining Consumers Energy, Mayes served three terms as Michigan’s 96th District State Representative. During his tenure, Mayes chaired the House Energy and Technology and House Agriculture committees, and co-authored Michigan’s first renewable energy standard in 2008.
Jeff Mayes
Executive Director, Business Customer Care, Consumers Energy
Jeff Mayes is Executive Director of Business Customer Care for Consumers Energy. Mayes has overall responsibility for business customers in the company’s service territory. Mayes joined Consumers Energy in 2011 as an area manager, serving as company liaison and conducting community outreach among customers in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Mecosta and Osceola counties. He also served as Director of Economic Development from 2013 – 2018. Prior to joining Consumers Energy, Mayes served three terms as Michigan’s 96th District State Representative. During his tenure, Mayes chaired the House Energy and Technology and House Agriculture committees, and co-authored Michigan’s first renewable energy standard in 2008.
U.S. Representative Jack Bergman
Rep. Jack Bergman represents the First District of Michigan, having assumed office in 2017. The boundaries contain the entire Upper Peninsula and all of northern lower Peninsula. Altogether, the district makes up about 44% of the land mass of the state of Michigan. The Bergman family roots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula stretch back to the late 1800’s where his ancestors worked as iron miners. Serving his country in uniform for 40 years, Jack has spent time all around the United States – and world.
Sarah Hubbard
Partner, Acuitas | University of Michigan Regent
"The 2022 Election"
Sarah Hubbard was elected to an 8-year term on the University of Michigan Board of Regents on November 3, 2020. Sarah grew up on a farm in Union City and was active in Republican politics from an early age. Her father, Jerry Hubbard, was a Branch County Commissioner and Union Township Supervisor. She served as a precinct delegate since 1990, is often a delegate to the state convention, and has attended several Republican National Conventions as part of the Michigan delegation. Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts from the College of Literature Science and Arts at the University of Michigan, Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University, and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Professionally, Sarah started her career as a legislative staffer, first for State Senator Nick Smith (R - Addison) and then State Representative Willis C. Bullard, Jr. (R - Highland). Sarah spent considerable time on the campaign trail working to elect Republican candidates including as campaign manager for State Representative Bill Martin (R - Battle Creek) and as a volunteer on Bill Schuette's U.S. Senate Campaign.
Dr. Paul Isely
Associate Dean and Professor of Economics, Grand Valley State University
Dr. Paul Isely is currently Associate Dean and Professor of Economics for the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. Dr. Isely’s research has led more than 50 publications which consist of peer review journal articles, local articles, research reports and grant reports. These articles have explored West Michigan’s economy and its relationship to the National and State Economies. His research led to his first appointment by Governor Snyder and then renewed by Governor Whitmer of Michigan to the Utility Consumer Participation Board where he is currently the Interim Chair.
Jim Byrum
Executive Director, Riveron
Jim Byrum serves as Executive Director at Riveron, a national business advisory firm specializing in accounting, finance, technology, and operations. In this role, Jim is bringing his decades of industry experience as a business owner and association executive to advise some of the world’s largest companies, across multiple sectors, on their operations and their long-term strategy. Jim also remains very active in Michigan agriculture, serving on the Board of Directors for Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch and helping agricultural interests look to the future.
Dr. Tim Boring
Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Dr. Tim Boring serves as the Director for MDARD supporting the department's continued commitment in investing in the state’s rural communities, expanding food and agriculture businesses, protecting consumers from the pump to the plate, and preserving Michigan’s environmental resources. He previously served as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency. Boring's family operates a six-generation farm in Stockbridge, Michigan. Prior to his appointment at the USDA, he was the president and founder of Michigan Agriculture Advancement. He also previously served as the Vice President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association and worked as research director of the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. Governor Whitmer had previously appointed Dr. Boring to the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2019. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriscience, Master of Science in Crop and Soil Sciences, and Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State University.
U.S. Representative Jack Bergman
Rep. Jack Bergman represents the First District of Michigan, having assumed office in 2017. The boundaries contain the entire Upper Peninsula and all of northern lower Peninsula. Altogether, the district makes up about 44% of the land mass of the state of Michigan. The Bergman family roots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula stretch back to the late 1800’s where his ancestors worked as iron miners. Serving his country in uniform for 40 years, Jack has spent time all around the United States – and world.
