Elanco Exec Becomes Ag Director
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowGovernor Mike Pence has named Ted McKinney Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. He most recently served as director of global corporate affairs for Elanco Animal Health in Hancock County. McKinney also led the effort to bring the National FFA Center and conventions to Indianapolis.
December 4, 2013
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Lt. Governor and Secretary of Agriculture Sue Ellspermann today introduced Ted McKinney as the new Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. He was appointed by Governor Mike Pence effective January 7, 2014.
“Ted McKinney is a well-respected industry leader with decades of experience in Hoosier agriculture,” said Governor Pence. “As Indiana strives to grow and be innovative in agriculture, I am confident that Ted's background, knowledge and passion for the industry will increase Indiana's competitiveness and serve Hoosiers well.”
Lt. Governor Ellspermann added, “Ted McKinney is an outstanding addition to our team. As we look for ways to grow and enhance Indiana’s agriculture industry through programs like the recently announced Food and Agriculture Innovation Initiative, Ted's business experience and life-long passion for agriculture will contribute to the success of that initiative and Indiana agriculture overall.”
Ted McKinney grew up on a family farm in Tipton County, where he has continuing interests. After graduating with a degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University where he was named Outstanding Male Graduate, he began a successful career with Elanco Products Company, DowElanco and Dow AgroSciences. Most recently he was Director, Global Corporate Affairs for Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company.
In addition to his professional career, Ted has held leadership positions in the Indiana FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America), the Indiana 4-H Foundation and the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Trust Fund. He led the effort to recruit the National FFA Center and national FFA conventions to Indianapolis. He has also served on the State Fair Commission since 2005, and is Chairman of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity National Convention, scheduled for Indianapolis in late 2014.
In the community, Ted has been on the board of directors for the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, WFYI Public Broadcasting, the Leukemia Society, and the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation.
Ted and his wife Julie are the parents of three children.
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as separate state agency by the Legislature in 2005. The Director is appointed by the Governor and is a member of the Governor’s Cabinet. Administratively, ISDA reports to the Lieutenant Governor, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.
Source: Indiana State Department of Agriculture