Bruce Kettler, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), has announced he is stepping down from his position to become the new CEO and President of the Agribusiness Council of Indiana. Kettler’s last day as ISDA Director will be Jan. 6, 2023.
Kettler was appointed to his position in January 2018 by Governor Eric Holcomb. He currently serves as the first vice president on the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Board of Directors. Prior to joining ISDA, Bruce was the director of public relations for Beck’s Hybrids. He began his professional career at Dow AgroSciences, where he held a variety of roles including sales and marketing, finance management, advertising and public relations.
“Thank you to Governor Holcomb and Lt. Gov. Crouch for asking me to serve the State of Indiana,” said Kettler. “Serving the farmers, businesses and citizens of Indiana has been an honor that I could not have imagined even a few years ago. My five years at the Indiana State Department of Agriculture will hold a special place in my professional career. Leading the team of dedicated individuals working at ISDA has been very rewarding, and I know they will continue their dedication for the next director.”
“I’m incredibly honored to be chosen as the next president and CEO of the Agribusiness Council of Indiana, an organization I’ve had a working relationship with for many years now,” Kettler added. “I know firsthand the importance of Indiana’s agribusiness industry, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Indiana agriculture by leading this organization.”
Under Kettler, the ISDA:
- Expanded growth opportunities for Indiana agriculture through a) development of the rural economic development model and data access for rural economic development professionals, b) advancement of the Indiana Hardwoods strategy and c) implementation of Indiana Dairy Strategy 2.0.
- Continued strong growth in soil conservation with increased cover crop adoption and money going to farmers for soil conservation and water quality priorities.
- Led the Indiana agriculture industry through the COVID-19 pandemic through communication, cooperation and regular stakeholder meetings. His leadership minimized delays and duplication of efforts in the industry during the rapidly changing COVID-19 landscape.
“Bruce is a lifelong member of the agriculture community and understands the significant role the ag industry plays in Indiana,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb. “Through his dedication and commitment, he has elevated Indiana’s agribusiness development through innovation and a future-focused economy, and his leadership has set the agriculture ecosystem up for long-term success.”
“As director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Bruce has been a strong voice for Hoosier farmers and the state’s entire agricultural industry,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “His leadership and stewardship have been invaluable, and I wish him well as he transitions back into the private sector.”
“After a national search, we are thrilled to welcome Bruce as ACI’s next president and CEO,” said Kevin McGuire, ACI board chair. “He is no stranger to Indiana agribusiness, and we are happy to have found a local leader who brings a decades-long passion for Hoosier agriculture to our organization. The board and our members truly look forward to seeing how ACI grows under his leadership.”
ISDA says a search will begin immediately for Kettler’s successor.
