WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced on Feb. 6 that Dr. Pam Keck has joined the organization as director of biofuels programs and business development.

Keck has more than 20 years of experience in the agricultural and biofuels industry, academia and not-for-profit research.

"Pam is an incredibly valuable addition to our team, and we are excited to be able to utilize her broad knowledge base to further enhance our biofuels program,” said NCGA Vice-President of Production and Utilization Paul Bertels. “She is uniquely suited to the position because, in addition to her scientific achievements, Pam also excels as a communicator, thus facilitating the informed discussion and decision-making that are crucial in this area."

Keck most recently contracted with Monsanto, coordinating an outreach program that brought together schools and scientists. She has previously taught chemistry at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, U.S., and at Lewis and Clark Community College. She has also served as assistant director of workforce development and scientific projects at the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center.

Also an author, whose work has appeared in a variety of publications including Science and the Journal of Chemical Education, Keck earned her doctorate in organic chemistry from The Pennsylvania State University.  More recently, she has shared her love of science and education to inspire youth interest by writing her first children’s book, Burps Are Chemicals Too!

NCGA also said Maggie Fogerty joined the organization as administrative assistant in the production and utilization department.