NOPA Announces Retirement of Long Serving Oilseed Industry Veteran David Hovermale

Led Organization’s Government Relations Work for More Than 25 Years

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 26, 2024 – The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) announced today the upcoming retirement of Executive Vice President of Government Relations, David Hovermale. Hovermale joined the organization in 1998 and has been instrumental in guiding NOPA’s federal policy positioning and advocating for NOPA members. David has served as NOPA’s Executive Vice President of Government Relations since 2001.

“NOPA is grateful for David’s incredible commitment to the oilseed sector. The impact of his work will have a lasting impact on outcomes for our members and the industry at large for years to come,” said Kailee Tkacz Buller, NOPA President and CEO. “I am eternally grateful for David’s guidance and experience since I joined NOPA and, on behalf of the entire organization and our member companies, thank you for your tremendous dedication and service.”

Over Hovermale’s 25 years with NOPA, he helped guide NOPA’s transition from an association management firm to a standalone association, served as an invaluable liaison with the White House, Congressional leaders, government departments, and building trust and collaboration with oilseed associations to further the goals of the oilseed industry. Hovermale was instrumental in helping address the oilseed industry’s tariff and non-tariff trade barriers and furthering the importance of international trade agreements to the oilseed industry. He provided invaluable leadership and support to the oilseed processors through the many challenges during COVID.

His recent work has focused on emphasizing the benefits of renewable fuels produced with domestic feedstocks and encouraging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand eligible climate-smart agriculture practices and diversification of feedstocks for biofuels in 45Z rulemaking.

Prior to joining NOPA, Hovermale’s career in agricultural policy spanned several divisions at USDA, including the Foreign Agricultural Service, International Affairs and Commodity Programs, Office of Congressional Relations, and Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. He also served as a Legislative Assistant for Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

Hovermale will officially retire on December 31, 2024. He plans to spend his retirement traveling and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and his mother. NOPA wishes David the best in this next exciting chapter and looks forward to celebrating him with friends and family at a December 11 retirement party in Washington, D.C.

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Organized in 1930, the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) represents the U.S. soybean, canola, flaxseed, safflower seed, and sunflower seed-crushing industries. NOPA’s membership includes 17 members that are engaged in the processing of oilseeds for meal and oil that are utilized in the manufacturing of food, feed, renewable fuels, and industrial products. NOPA member companies operate over 70 softseed and soybean solvent extraction plants across 21 states. NOPA members crush over 97% of all soybeans processed in the U.S. which equates to over 2 billion bushels annually. More information at www.NOPA.org.