The Corn Refiners Association Tuesday announced John W. Bode as its new President and CEO. Bode comes to the CRA with 30 years of experience as a lawyer/lobbyist in Washington, D.C.

"We are pleased to welcome John to the CRA," said Matthew Wineinger, Chairman of the CRA and President of Tate & Lyle Bulk Ingredients. "He is an accomplished leader with a strong background in the food and agriculture sectors. The CRA just celebrated its 100th anniversary, and John is the ideal person to lead us into our next century and take on the challenges before us."

CRA welcomes John Bode as president and CEO

Prior to private practice, Bode served on the Senate Agriculture Committee staff and held three Presidential appointments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he was responsible for approximately one-half of the USDA budget. Bode testified before Congress over 70 times and oversaw development of approximately 90 proposed and final rules.

A widely recognized speaker on food law and policy, Bode has been involved in every significant change in federal food law over the past 25 years. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Juris Doctor from George Mason University School of Law.

"I am honored to join the Corn Refiners Association to represent this important industry," Bode said. "CRA has an outstanding staff. We look forward to making a difference for the corn wet milling industry."

The CRA's member companies are Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill Inc., Ingredion, Inc., Penford Products Co., Roquette America, Inc., and Tate & Lyle Americas. They make starches, sweeteners, and products that are used for paper, pharmaceuticals, ethanol, and animal feed, among many others.

Bode will take office May 6th.