The USA Rice Federation has announced that Mark Denman, chief operating officer of the consumer division for RiceTec Inc., was elected chairman by the board of directors. Denman’s tenure began on Aug. 1, 2012, and he will serve a two-year term as chairman of the rice organization, which represents all segments of the U.S. rice industry.

"Mark Denman is well prepared to lead our industry as we tackle the tough challenges ahead," said outgoing Chairman Jackie Loewer, a Louisiana rice producer who has held the post since 2010.

Denman, a native of Stuttgart, Ark., has been in the rice business for more than 33 years, 27 of them with RiceTec Inc., which is based in Alvin, Texas. He currently chairs the USA Rice Millers' Association and previously served on the boards of the USA Rice Council and The Rice Foundation. He serves on the USA Rice Federation Domestic Promotion Committee and is a past chairman of the Retail Subcommittee.

"USA Rice staff and members look forward to working with Chairman-elect Denman," said Betsy Ward, USA Rice Federation President and CEO.