USA Rice Federation President and CEO Stuart Proctor has announced his resignation, effective Dec. 31. Proctor had tendered his resignation to the USA Rice Executive Committee during the USA Rice Outlook Conference in Las Vegas.

Proctor, who noted the accomplishments of his four-year tenure at USA Rice, said that he is “leaving to pursue broader, more varied trade association management opportunities.

“We have made considerable progress in achieving the organization’s mission statement and goals,” Proctor said. “Virtually all programs and activities are now more strategically designed and more efficiently and effectively implemented.”

“Under Stuart’s leadership, USA Rice has been transformed into a more streamlined and visible industry organization,” said USA Rice Chairman Alfred Montna.

“Stuart has overseen the consolidation of USA Rice offices in Arlington, Va., and has helped place our trade association on surer financial footing. We wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.”

The USA Rice executive committee and board of directors will begin a formal search for a new CEO after the first of the year, Montna said.