ARLINGTON, VA. — Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur was elected vice president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. In this role, Arthur will lead the organization to enhance US agriculture through policy, partnerships and public engagement.

“I am honored to be chosen to serve as NASDA’s vice president, and I thank the NASDA Board of Directors for considering me for this position,” Arthur said. “I welcome the opportunity to partner with state departments of agriculture from across the United States to strengthen and promote our nation’s most vital industry. NASDA ardently works to ensure agriculture and food businesses of all sizes thrive, and I am grateful to help carry out this commitment.”

Since 2019, Arthur has served as chairwoman for the NASDA Animal Agriculture Committee. Replacing her spot as chair for the committee is Charlie Hatcher, Tennessee commissioner of agriculture.

Arthur was sworn in as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Agriculture in January 2019 and is the state’s first female to hold the position.

“Secretary Arthur’s experience and leadership will be incredibly valuable as we continue our work to ensure federal policy represents the needs of US farmers, ranchers and all the communities they serve,” said Ted McKinney, NASDA chief executive officer. “We thank Secretary Arthur for her continued dedication to NASDA and commitment to seeing agriculture lead the way toward a healthy and resilient world.”

Arthur will replace Bruce Kettler, who served as vice president from August 2022 through December 2022 and has been a NASDA board member since 2019. Kettler was recently named president and CEO of the Agribusiness Council of Indiana.

NASDA expressed thanks and congratulations to Kettler.

“Bruce’s leadership as NASDA vice president and a longstanding NASDA board member has made an impression on the organization that will last for years to come,” McKinney said. “We deeply thank Bruce for his service to NASDA and we know he will continue to further opportunities for the agriculture industry in his new role.”