ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US — Karah Fissel is the new director for international trade policy for USA Rice.
She will manage the International Trade Policy Committee and its subcommittees. Fissel most recently served at the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture where she first oversaw regional coverage of Central America and then Mexico.
She was instrumental in coordinating USDA strategy for the US-Mexico agricultural trade relationship including liaising with the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) during the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute settlement panel with Mexico regarding measures related to biotechnology.
She also led USDA efforts to address trade barriers, including on rice, and enforce bilateral trade commitments amid increasingly protectionist policy actions in Central America.
Prior to joining the FAS, Fissel served at USTR in both the Offices of Agricultural Affairs and the General Counsel where she worked on various trade issues including the Generalized System of Preferences, disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO), and negotiations of the USMCA Chapter on Intellectual Property.
Fissel received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from James Madison University.
“USA Rice staff have worked with Karah over the last six years through her roles at USDA and USTR,” said Peter Bachmann, president and chief executive officer of USA Rice. “I believe she will make a great addition to our team at a time when we’re exploring the many opportunities for growing our exports in global markets.”
