Purdue honors Corn Growers Association CEO

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Chief Executive Officer Chris Novak recently received the Purdue University College of Agriculture’s highest honor for achievement.

Novak accepted the college’s Distinguished Agriculture Alumni Award during a ceremony in West Lafayette, Indiana, on April 3. He is one of eight Purdue Agriculture alumni to be honored this year for outstanding accomplishments, significant contributions to the profession or to society in general, and for demonstrating excellent potential for professional growth.

“Everyone at NCGA is extremely proud to have Chris as a part of our team,” association President Chip Bowling said. “He is a strategic, visionary leader who we believe will help our association continue its tradition of success. Additionally, [he] has done great work not only for our growers, but for all of American agriculture in a long career of service. This award is well deserved.”

Novak joined NCGA in October 2014. He previously served as CEO for the National Pork Board (NPB), which unites pork producers with key stakeholders focused on building a bright future for the pork industry through research, promotion and education. Before joining the NPB, Novak served as executive director for the Indiana Soybean Alliance, science communication manager for Syngenta and special assistant to the CEO for the American Soybean Association.