WASHINGTON, DC, US — The US Grains Council (USGC) has added two new members to its headquarters team: Imby Abath and Amelia Iliohan.

Abath has been named manager of innovation and sustainability within the USGC’s trade policy and biotechnology department. In her new role, she will develop programs focused on biotechnology, innovation and sustainability; create and implement worldwide initiatives to reduce non-tariff trade barriers related to the export of coarse grains and co-products; and represent USGC in industry and government forums with a focus on market access to advance technology.

Prior to joining the USGC, Abath was a graduate student researcher at the University of California-Davis, where she managed the creation of a zero-net energy course for undergraduate and graduate students. She also has worked for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to benchmark sustainability efforts and track progress toward Sustainable 2050 objectives.

She received a bachelor’s degree in environment, economy, development and sustainability at The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in energy systems at UC-Davis.

“Imby’s unique experience and education will help us move our sustainability initiatives forward as customers in the marketplace continue to show more interest in the environmental impacts of food production,” said Andrew Brandt, director of trade policy at the USGC.

Iliohan has joined the USGC as manager of industry relations. In her new role she will be responsible for the Council’s membership accounts, deliverables and billing membership database. She also will work closely with the meeting manager on core meeting management services.

Most recently she was project coordinator for the leadership, education and engagement team at the American Farm Bureau Federation. Earlier, she was with the Kentucky Farm Bureau and also has worked on Capitol Hill.

She received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture at the University of Kentucky and is working toward a master’s degree in agriculture communication at the University of Florida.

“Originally from Kentucky and with a farming background, I am confident that Amelia will quickly build strong rapport with our members and stakeholders to advance the mission of the Council and the priorities of our members,” said Ellen Zimmerman, director of industry relations at the USGC.