Chris Novak left a giant hole last fall when he resigned as executive director of both the Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Corn Growers Association. He moved west to work with the National Pork Council.

During his tenure, the Indiana Soybean Board and Indiana Soybean Growers Association merged into one- the Indiana Soybean Alliance. Also during his time in Indiana, the legislature passed the first mandatory, first-point-of-sale checkoff for corn in Indiana history. It replaced a voluntary checkoff that was only raising a small amount of money each year.

The new executive director is Mark Henderson, Carmel. He recently developed a career with Dow AgroSciences. Henderson was born in Kansas City, attended Kansas State University and joined Dow Chemical in '82.

During his time at Dow AgroSciences, he was involved with biotechnology and he led an effort in both animal nutrition and oils and oilseeds.

His work ethic and sense of community service and pride also impressed the soybean and corn boards that agreed to hire him. During the past year Henderson worked with Habitat for Humanity in Boone County, and was instrumental in building three homes for people who needed housing.

Doug Morrow, recently elected president of ISA, from Grant County, says "With his industry experience, Mark brings to the associations the in-depth understanding of creating new value for corn and soybeans."

Mike Shuter, Frankton, president of ICMC, is equally optimistic. "With the state's corn checkoff in its infancy, we look forward to mark's leadership in helping our farmer-directors and staff work together to develop long-term programs that benefit our state's corn farmers and industry as a whole."

One of the last things Novak was involved with before leaving was co-locating offices for the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the corn groups with the Indiana Pork and Indiana Beef Cattle associations. That helps those groups minimize costs, and should create synergy between the groups. All are now located with headquarters at 5730 West 74th street on the northwest side of Indianapolis. Henderson will now work out of that office as well.

Megan Kuhn remains a valuable part of the communications team for both groups. She will wok closely with Henderson in his new role. For more information, contact Kuhn at [email protected]. Or you can visit this Website: www.indianasoybean.com.

Web Quiz: What famous member of the Indiana Prairie Farmer family also graduated from Kansas State University?

Answer: Carl 'Indiana Ike' Eiche, former senior editor. Now retired, Carl is an avid golfer and lives with his wife, Harriet, in Frankfort.