Edible Oil Producers Association Warmly Welcomes New President & CEO Claudia Larson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: contactus@edibleoilproducers.org

Washington, D.C. – February 26, 2024: Effective today, the Edible Oil Producers Association (EOPA) welcomes Claudia Larson, PhD as incoming President & CEO.

Prior to EOPA, Larson held various roles at the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) since 2019, most recently as Senior Director of Government Relations and Head of Nutrition Policy. Before NMPF she served as Communication Director and Strategic Policy Associate for Representative Jim Costa (D-CA). Claudia holds a bachelor’s in Political Science and Communication as well as a master’s in Political Science from Boston College, and she has a PhD in Political Science from Northeastern University.

“On behalf of the EOPA Board of Directors, we enthusiastically welcome Claudia to the helm of EOPA,” said Todd Biedenfeld, EOPA chair and director of vegetable oils trading, CHS Inc. “Her strong background and developed expertise in agriculture policy, communication, and consensus building come at a perfect time in the evolution of the association as we continue our food focused strategy. We look forward to her leadership as EOPA continues to execute our new strategic vision.”

Last week EOPA launched a rebrand to refresh its presence in the agricultural advocacy space, emphasizing its unique representation of the issues key for domestically consumed fats and edible oils. Led by outgoing President & CEO, Kailee Tkacz Buller, the rebrand builds on the organization’s strategic plan Tkacz Buller also led the association through beginning in April 2022.

As a food focused association, EOPA has narrowed its issue focus on areas that are truly unique to the edible oils sector, leveraging strategic partnerships in areas where there are commonalities, and building out its membership with the goal of representing 100 percent of domestically consumed fats and edible oils in the U.S. by 2026.

“I am thrilled to be joining EOPA at such an exciting time for the organization, and am truly thankful for the years of hard work Kailee and the board put into revamping the strategic plan and modernizing EOPA’s brand,” said Larson about joining EOPA. “Their efforts have been outstanding in laying a strong foundation for the future. I am grateful for and energized by this opportunity to build on this strong foundation and lead EOPA through a successful 2024 and beyond.”

Tkacz Buller served as President & CEO of EOPA since December 2020, and took the helm as President & CEO of the National Oilseed Processors Association on December 18, 2023. She will complete her tenure at EOPA on March 15, 2024.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve EOPA and its members over the last 3 years, with the steadfast support and dedication of the EOPA Board of Directors and Executive Committee. I have no doubt Claudia will continue to keep the momentum we have begun as an association and am excited to continue to watch it grow and flourish under her leadership in this next chapter,” said Tkacz Buller.

Global search firm Korn Ferry led the EOPA President/CEO search.

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The Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils is the national trade association located in Washington, D.C. advocating on behalf of refiners who produce 95% of domestic edible fats and oils. ISEO brings edible fats and oils refiners together to proactively address the unique challenges and opportunities of our segment of the supply chain.