The Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board has selected Nicole Wagner, Sussex, as its new executive director. Nicole will also manage the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association through a contract with the WCPB.

Nicole Wagner will take over for Bob and Kathy Oleson who will retire at the end of the year.

Wagner brings a great deal of experience, professionalism, enthusiasm and skill to Wisconsin corn growers. She has a bachelor's degree in agribusiness from University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a bachelor's in journalism and mass communication from UW-Milwaukee. Wagner has previously worked for marketing communications agencies, including EPIC Creative, Charleston|Orwig, and Z2. She has experience working with New Holland Agriculture and Construction, BASF Plant Science, Dairyland Seed, CNH Parts & Service and Diamond V.

Wagner grew up on a row crop and farrow-to-finish hog operation in north central Indiana. After moving to Wisconsin she remained involved with agriculture through 4-H and FFA. When she isn't working, Wagner spends her free time with her husband and three children.

She will take over for Bob and Kathy Oleson, who will retire at the end of the year. The Olesons managed the WCPB and the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association programs for 17 years.

The primary objective of the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, which has been in place since 1983, is to maintain and expand sales of Wisconsin corn through research, market development and consumer education. The nine-member Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board is responsible for overseeing the collection and use of assessment fees paid by Wisconsin corn growers.