ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, U.S.– The North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) announced that Robert Harper, president, Hopkinsville Milling Co., has been elected vice-chairman of the NAMA board of directors, fulfilling the 2016-18 term, vacated by D. Wade Ellis, formerly of Bunge Milling.

“I am pleased to announce the election of Robert Harper as NAMA vice chairman,” said Jim McCarthy, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of NAMA. “His service to NAMA as a member of the board of directors, chair of the Corn Dry Milling Conference Planning Committee and former chair of the Ad-Hoc Bylaws Committee has been invaluable. The leadership, vision and experience he brings to the vice-chairman’s role will be equally valuable as NAMA and its members chart our industry’s future in the coming weeks and months.”

NAMA is the trade association of the wheat, corn, oat, and rye milling industries. Member companies operate mills in 38 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, representing more than 90% of total industry production capacity.

“NAMA plays a critical role in our industry’s marketplace and public policy success,” Harper said. “I look forward to working with my board colleagues, the NAMA staff and our member companies to address the opportunities and challenges we face together.”

Harper is president of Kentucky, U.S.- based Hopkinsville Milling Co. It mills flour, corn meal and grits for retail and food service customers. Harper began his work in the milling industry in 1993 and was previously director of operations and director of new product development at Hopkinsville Milling Co. and is the fifth generation of family to work at the mill. Harper is a former member of the NAMA Executive Committee and is currently the program chairman for NAMA Corn Dry Milling Conference. He also represented the American Corn Millers Federation in merger discussions with Protein Grain Products and the Millers National Federation in the formation of the NAMA in 1998.