The National Sorghum Producers board of directors elected new officers and appointed three new individuals to the board during its annual August board meeting.

Vice Chairman Terry Swanson of Walsh, Colo., was elected to the chairman’s seat, while existing chairman Gerald Simonsen from Ruskin, Neb., was re-elected to the board, taking the past chairman position. J.B. Stewart, an existing director from Keyes, Okla., was elected to serve as vice chairman for the 2012 fiscal year.

Daniel Krienke was reappointed to the board after his previous term expired. Other directors who have reached the end of their term and did not re-run include Brian McCuistion of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Toby Bostwick of Melrose, New Mexico. Eric Mork of Wichita, Kan., is stepping down from board, as well.

“Brian, Toby and Eric have each made significant contributions to the sorghum industry through their service on this board,” said Swanson, the newly elected chairman. “We wish them well and know their leadership will continue to impact to the industry going forward.”

New individuals appointed to the three vacant seats on the NSP board of directors include Greg Krissek of Wichita, Kan., Samuel Simmons of Harlingen, Texas, and Tom Willis of Liberal, Kan.

Krissek is the director of government affairs for ICM Inc., in Wichita, Kan. He brings extensive knowledge to the board from a legislative and regulatory standpoint and has a wealth of experience in the biofuels sector, which is a place he feels sorghum has an indisputable opportunity to play a key role.

Willis also possesses widespread knowledge in the ethanol industry. He is the CEO for Conestoga Energy Partners LLC and grows 120 acres of sorghum in Liberal, Kan. He plans to play an integral role in increasing the value of sorghum and communicating its potential as a feedstock to other producers.

Simmons is a partner in Heritage Farms in south Texas and grows 800 acres of sorghum. He has been an active member of many other boards in his state and region and looks forward to representing the sorghum industry both at home and through legislative and regulatory representation in Washington, D.C.

“We are excited to welcome Greg, Sam and Tom to the board and are confident their experience and leadership will help this organization move the sorghum industry forward to meet its potential,” said Swanson.