Nikki Ellis will become the new Executive Director of the Kentucky Soybean Association and the Kentucky Soybean Board January 1.
Following a transition period Ellis will succeed Debbie Ellis, who has provided nearly 40 years of service to Kentucky Soy.
Ellis currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Kentucky Pork Producers Association, where she oversees strategy, governance, finance, communications, advocacy, and operations.
Ellis, who is a fourth-generation Kentucky farmer, has spent her career working with producer-led agricultural organizations. Before joining Kentucky Pork Producers, she served as Director of Education for the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. She has also held leadership roles at the national and regional levels, including founding the Southeastern Pork Alliance, a six-state collaboration designed to strengthen organizational capacity while maintaining each state organization’s autonomy.
Ellis says she is honored by the opportunity to serve Kentucky soybean farmers and work alongside the farmer leaders and staff who have built such a strong organization. She says agriculture has always been more than a career for her; it is something she cares deeply about. Ellis says she is excited to build on the strong foundation of the soybean checkoff and continue putting farmers’ investments to work in meaningful ways.
Kentucky Soybean Association President Jonathan Reynolds says Advocacy is an important part of the Association’s work, and Niki brings both experience and strong relationships to that role. He says the organization looks forward to her helping strengthen the voice of Kentucky soybean farmers in policy conversations in Frankfort and Washington, D.C.
Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board Chairman Fred Sipes says the organization was looking for someone who understands farmer-led organizations, can build strong
relationships, and has the vision to continue strengthening Kentucky Soy’s leadership in the state and at the national level, adding Niki brings that combination. Sipes says he understands agriculture, has experience working with producer-led boards, and brings a strong record of leadership and collaboration. Sipes says the Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board is excited about what she will bring to Kentucky Soy while building on the strong foundation already in place.
Ellis brings significant experience in agricultural policy and industry representation. She has advocated for producer priorities with state and federal policymakers and served on national committees addressing research, leadership development, long-range strategy, and other issues affecting production agriculture. Her experience also reflects a commitment to collaboration across Kentucky agriculture and to maintaining a strong producer voice at both the state and national levels.
Ellis earned a Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education from the University of Kentucky.
