Linda M. Chimenti Ames, Iowa Executive Vice President Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I hold a bachelor's degree in English from Cornell College in Iowa and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Iowa.
Please describe your agricultural background.
Although I grew up in town, my father was raised on a small farm in southeastern Iowa, where my grandparents raised livestock and grew corn, wheat and soybeans. I spent time on the farm during my childhood and young adult years.
What are your new responsibilities?
As Executive Vice President, my new responsibilities will include (1) serving as the chief executive officer of CAST; (2) being a nonvoting member of the board of directors and board of representatives; (3) acting as the legal representative of CAST; (4) being editor-in-chief for CAST publications; and (5) assuming overall supervision of the staff.
What previous positions have you held?
Previous positions include three professional librarian jobs, with increasing levels of responsibility; editorial project management for a publishing house in Baltimore, Maryland; editor and project manager at the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa; and three previous roles at CAST: Managing Scientific Editor, Director of Council Operations, and Chief Operating Officer.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
I look forward to the opportunity to become personally more acquainted with many people in the world of agriculture, both locally and nationally. I believe strongly in the CAST organization and in my new role I will get to talk with more people and share news of what CAST is doing.
How will you, in your new role, be of most help to dairy producers?
By getting to know more people personally, including those who represent the dairy industry, I will be able to make them aware of CAST as a resource for credible science-based information.
Why did you agree to move up within CAST?
When offered the opportunity for promotion within CAST, I felt that my 12 years of experience with this organization would provide continuity and stability in support of the board of directors as CAST strives to move ahead with new programs and initiatives.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
While I’m in this position, I hope that CAST will be able to develop a wider audience for its publications, identify and engage new sources of funding, and publish a greater number of relevant papers and reports. PD
