Andrew Smelser has spent more than 20 years working in crop genetics, germplasm licensing, field research and seed-industry partnerships. Now, he has been named the next executive director of the Iowa Crop Improvement Association.
The ICIA is Iowa's official seed certifying agency and a nonprofit affiliate of Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Doan Schmitz has led the association on an interim basis since March 16, after its previous director, Ryan Budnik, left for a position outside the university. Smelser stepped into the role on July 27.
“The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is looking forward to working collaboratively with Andrew as the executive director for the Iowa Crop Improvement Association,” said Ruth MacDonald, acting dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Andrew brings great experience and expertise to the role. He has a depth of understanding of the ICIA that will allow him to hit the ground running to continue the important work of this longstanding organization.”
Smelser’s 22-year career in the industry started with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, where he worked as a technician with the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize Project in Ames. He then spent nearly nine years with MBS Genetics LLC/Peterson Corn Genetics LLC as a regional account manager, handling accounts across seven states. He planned field trials, helped guide product advancement and forecasting, organized field data, and helped put together the company's annual corn product book.
Smelser also served as germplasm licensing manager for Inari Agriculture, where he built and maintained relationships with germplasm partners, negotiated licensing agreements, evaluated new products and technologies and supported breeding programs.
Source : iastate.edu