Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) At-Large Director Scott Gaffner was recently elected as Secretary of the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) Executive Committee.

After six years on the WISHH Board of Directors, Gaffner shared his excitement about being named to the executive committee. He said, “I am honored to be selected to the executive committee after serving on the WISHH Board of Directors for six years. Being a member of the Executive Committee will allow Illinois farmers to have a direct voice within an essential marketing advocate. WISHH is an integral partner with the ISA initiative of developing additional markets for Illinois soybeans, and we are optimistic that some of the countries we work with will eventually become leading buyers of our high-quality Illinois soybeans.”

Gaffner’s appointment was announced by the American Soybean Association (ASA) in the August 8 eBean Newsletter:

ASA Confirms New WISHH Executive Committee

American Soybean Association (ASA) President Josh Gackle has confirmed the election of ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health Program officers and committee members for the upcoming year. Officers are Iowa soybean grower Morey Hill as Chair, Craig Williams (IN) as Vice Chair, Bob Haselwood (KS) as Treasurer, and new to the WISHH Executive committee is Scott Gaffner (IL) who joins as Secretary.

“WISHH continues to grow and works in more countries than ever to develop long-term markets for U.S. soy,” Gackle said. “I am appreciative of the farmers who take this opportunity to lead the WISHH program.” In addition, Gackle praised outgoing WISHH Chair Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare (ASA-IL) for her many years of service to WISHH.

WISHH Executive Director Gena Perry also added a statement of gratitude for Simpson-Dolbeare while praising the new officers. “Roberta has traveled the world for WISHH throughout the years,” said Perry. “She has seen our projects grow and helped steer our expansion as we continue to develop long-term markets for soybean growers. The leadership she has brought to WISHH will be invaluable for the new executive committee moving forward.”

In addition, the WISHH offered a moment of recognition to George Goblish, a farmer from Minnesota, who is terming off the WISHH committee.

“Being on WISHH is one of the highlights of my career as a soybean grower,” noted Goblish. “I will certainly be supporting WISHH from afar back in Minnesota.”