Harden to Take Vilsack’s Role at USDEC

Krysta Harden will take the role of CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, if current CEO Tom Vilsack is confirmed as the Next Agriculture Secretary. Harden served as Deputy Agriculture Secretary from 2013 to 2016, and is the current chief operating officer at the USDEC. Chair of the organization, Larry Hancock, said, “Vilsack will continue to serve fully in his role as president and CEO of USDEC until he is confirmed as the secretary of Agriculture for the new administration.”

Once Vilsack is confirmed as Agriculture Secretary, Harden will become CEO of USDEC.

Dairy Management Inc. CEO Tom Gallagher said, “We are extremely fortunate to have Secretary Vilsack's dedication and commitment to dairy farmers over the past four years, and to have someone with Krysta's background and experience in agriculture and with USDEC ready to step into a new role.”

Vilsack served as Agriculture Secretary during all eight years of the Obama administration.

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