Katie Nelson is Indiana Farm Bureau’s new executive director of public policy for the organization. She started Aug. 15, the day before delegate session.

In addition to leading the public policy team, Nelson is responsible for the overall management of policy at the local, state and national levels on behalf of INFB members.

Nelson comes to INFB from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, where she most recently served as the deputy director. In that role, she led multiple division directors across critical areas, including economic development, public affairs and soil conservation, while overseeing the agency's budget and daily operations.

“I’m excited for this new opportunity to help lead a team that already has such a great grassroots network to advocate for policies that impact Indiana farmers and rural communities,” said Nelson. “Coming from my role in state government, I know the respect our legislators have for INFB’s leadership and public policy team, and I look forward to continuing those relationships at the Statehouse, but also in our nation’s capital and communities throughout Indiana.”

Nelson grew up on a fifth-generation corn, soybean and beef cattle farm in Wellsville, Missouri. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri and is a graduate of AgrIInstitute’s Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program and the Richard Lugar Series.

“Katie's background in agriculture, team management, government relations and industry relations will benefit Indiana Farm Bureau and our membership,” said Randy Kron, INFB president. “I'm confident her leadership and strategic mindset will be a tremendous asset to the organization.”

Nelson lives in Franklin, Indiana, with her husband, Ryan, and their two children, Alice and George.