Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, has appointed Julie Kenney as Deputy Secretary, effective today (Monday). “Julie has a passion for agriculture and will be a tremendous asset to the department,” Naig says. “Her background and experience are a natural fit for the department and I’m excited to have her on our team.” Kenney is a Lorhville native, having grown up on the Kock family crop and livestock farm. She has been active in agribusiness for the past 15 years, having served in marketing and communications roles for private industry and agricultural associations as well as checkoff programs. Kenney and her family also own and operate a corn and soybean farming operation in Story County. As the Deputy Secretary, Kenney will assist with the management responsibilities of the department, focused on the areas of personnel, budget and policy. She will also support their efforts to be accessible to Iowans by traveling regularly to represent the department at meetings across the state. Kenney says it is an honor to serve and she is looking forward to working with Naig and the rest of the team. “The department plays an important role in protecting consumers, improving our natural resources and promoting Iowa agriculture,” she says.
