The Wisconsin Agri-Business Association (WABA) has announced long-time Executive Director Tom Bressner will retire in July 2025, following a career of leadership and service to the state’s agribusiness community. In preparation for this transition, the WABA Succession Planning Committee, composed of six board members, has worked over the past several months to identify a successor.
After a hiring process that included over 30 applicants and interviews with five candidates from across the agricultural industry, the WABA Board of Directors announced that Grace Howe has been selected as the next executive director. Howe, who currently serves as WABA’s director of policy and communications, will assume the role on Nov. 1. Bressner will remain on staff until his retirement.
As the executive director, Howe will oversee the strategic direction of WABA, working closely with the association’s board, members, and partners to further its mission of supporting and promoting the agricultural business sector throughout Wisconsin. She will be responsible for spearheading initiatives that address industry needs, advocate for agribusiness interests, and drive innovation within the sector.
