The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) announced Thursday that Julie Kenney has been hired as its new CEO.

Mark Reisinger has served as interim CEO of the organization since March. Kenney will start her new role on Sept. 1.

Before joining AAI, Kenney has been active in the agribusiness industry for more than 20 years, including five years as deputy secretary of agriculture for Iowa. Kenney also has served in marketing and communications roles for private industry, agricultural associations and checkoff programs, a news release said.

“Julie Kenney brings a large amount of agricultural experience to our organization. She is a proven leader with a reputation for getting things done,” AAI board of directors chair Mark White said in a prepared statement.

Kenney, who is a native of Lohrville, Iowa, also owns and operates a corn and soybean farm in Story County with her family.

“AAI has a strong foundation of promoting opportunities and addressing challenges facing the industry,” Kenney said in a prepared statement. “I’m excited to work with leading businesses and organizations to help build a strong future for agricultural business in this state.”

AAI is the nation’s largest state agribusiness association, the release said. Its members make up the business network that empowers agriculture in Iowa.