WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) announced on Oct. 14 the hiring of Tom Sleight as the new vice-president of administrations and membership. Sleight will be primarily responsible for overseeing the organization’s financial and administrative functions, including all of its support activities worldwide, as well as building member value through leadership and corporate strategy.

Sleight brings a unique perspective to the position having worked for the council previously from 1983-1999. He served in a variety of roles both in the U.S. and abroad, including executive director and director of international operations in Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

"Mr. Sleight brings a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience to the position," said Thomas C. Dorr, USGC president and chief executive officer. "He will provide significant contributions to our organization."

Sleight has over 30 years of experience in the field of agriculture and comes to the council from the New York Farm Viability Institute where he served as executive director since 2006. During his tenure, he played an integral role in the foundation of the New York Center for Dairy Excellence, which united a fragmented New York dairy industry and established initiatives to improve profitability in the industry.

"U.S. farmers, whether they realize it or not, participate in the most global of all industries," Sleight said. "Demand for agricultural products is exploding whether it is around the corner or around the world. This is a really exciting point in time for U.S. agriculture."

Sleight will join the council in November.