MCGA announces staffing updates
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is pleased to announce several staffing updates.
In August, Barbara Boelk joined the organization as senior communications director. In the role, Boelk will set and execute strategy for communications, marketing and public relations that furthers the mission and strategic goals of Minnesota Corn.
A native of Maryland, Boelk earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park and her master’s degree in public administration from Capella University. She began her career as a print journalist before moving into public relations and communications for Girl Scouts, Fairview Hospitals and the Better Business Bureau. From there, she joined Great Clips, Inc., before leading communications at Taco John’s International, Inc.
Meanwhile, Devin Hoffarth has transitioned from the role of district field manager (DFM) to market development and industry relations director. In the new position, Hoffarth will lead Minnesota Corn’s efforts to develop markets, identify commercialization opportunities for new uses of corn, and coordinate with the biofuels and bio-based products sectors in the state.
A native of northeastern North Dakota, Hoffarth earned his bachelor’s degree from Mayville State University and his master’s degree in business administration with a project management concentration from the University of Mary. He worked at Langdon Implement in Langdon, N.D., for seven years before joining MCGA in summer 2021.
“It’s an exciting time for the corn industry, with much of our research and investments coming to fruition,” he said. “I am excited to continue working for Minnesota’s corn farmers in this new capacity!”
Additionally, MCGA is excited to announce that our DFM for northwestern Minnesota, Marlene Dufault, has transitioned from a contract role to a full-time position with the organization. Dufault has worked as a DFM since 2013 and has been instrumental in expanding MCGA’s presence in northwestern Minnesota.
MCGA is also announcing a reconfiguration of its coverage areas for DFMs. Dufault’s northwestern Minnesota coverage area has expanded to include Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens and Traverse counties. The central Minnesota DFM territory has expanded to include Kandiyohi, Meeker, Stearns and Todd counties. This position is held by Kennedy Janssen.
The southwestern Minnesota DFM territory has expanded to include Chippewa, Nicollet, Renville, Sibley and Swift counties. This position is held by Macy Kahler. And, the southeastern Minnesota DFM territory has expanded to include Dakota, Le Sueur, Rice and Scott counties. This position is held by Tanner Sanborn.
Since 2017, MCGA has employed full-time district field managers to lead our grassroots outreach, membership and business development efforts. DFMs aim to engage people in issues important to corn farmers and increase understanding of Minnesota Corn’s work on behalf of growers. To learn more about MCGA’s staff, visit mncorn.org.
