Washington, DC – The National Potato Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Holton as the Director of Corporate and Public Relations. Holton has more than 10 years combined work experience in both the public and private sectors as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill, public relations professional, and writer. He will direct NPC’s media outreach, grassroots initiatives, and social media programs, as well as work with NPC’s partners on coordinating the industry’s public policy messaging.
Holton spent his time as a Legislative Aide with the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) during her time as a committee member of the House Committee on Agriculture. His responsibilities included preparation and vote analysis for House and Senate Agriculture Committee Mark-Up Hearings, drafting legislation and constituent letters.
John Keeling, Executive Vice President and CEO said, “Holton’s agricultural background has already made him a key addition and I believe his experience will help NPC address the diverse interests of the U.S. potato producers. We view his appointment as a sign of our commitment to being the unifying vehicle of the potato industry voice in the public policy arena and expanding the U.S. grower’s ability to compete both domestically and globally.”
Holton is a native of Camilla, Ga. and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and Political Science from the University of Alabama. He spent close to 10 years working in various areas of agriculture including a stint as a consultant on cotton management and directed flight operations for an aerial application service. His Father currently owns a cattle operation and his Step Father owned an aerial application service.
“Coming from a farming family, I feel this position is a great fit for me. The natural exposure that I have had with agricultural issues in the field, around the dinner table and in the professional world will be beneficial for me when relating to NPC members. I am excited about the challenge and feel fortunate to join such a respected organization. I’m also confident that my experience and abilities will make an immediate contribution and prove to be a significant asset to the NPC team,” said Holton.
Holton takes over NPC’s public relations’ reins from Mark Szymanski, whom recently accepted a position with the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America in New York, N.Y., as their communications director.
The National Potato Council is the advocate for the economic well-being of U.S. potato growers on federal legislative, regulatory, environmental, and trade issues. NPC supports the U.S. potato industry by monitoring issues affecting the strength and viability of the potato industry, influencing regulators and legislators on issues crucial to the industry's long term success, ensuring fair market access for potatoes and potato products, and bringing the unique issues and interests of diverse growing regions in the U.S. together on a national level.
Source: The National Potato Council
