Chuck Conner was named President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives in January 2009, and he brings more than 25 years experience in national and state government and agricultural trade associations to the position. Prior to joining NCFC, Conner served as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a position that he had held since 2005. From August 2007 to January 2008, Conner served as both USDA Acting Secretary and Deputy Secretary, helping to shape the Administration’s agricultural, trade and immigration policies. Conner is a graduate of Purdue University, with a Bachelor’s of Science degree and is the recipient of Purdue’s Distinguished Alumni Award.