The National Association of Farm Broadcasting will begin a search for a new executive director. After 12 years in that role, Tom Brand will step down at the end of December.
“Brand joined the NAFB staff in August 2011,” the organization said. “Prior to his role with the association, he served as farm director at KFEQ Radio in St. Joseph, Mo.”
The NAFB was founded in 1944 as the National Association of Radio Farm Directors. NAFB has taken a high profile in this year’s debate over whether AM radio should be required in cars sold in the United States.
President Joe Gill thanked Brand for his 12 years of leadership. “His passion and dedication to farm broadcasting has been invaluable.”
In the announcement, Brand said he was pleased with growth in the NAFB’s membership, its financial stability and its impact in the ag community.
“Looking back on more than 30 years of involvement with NAFB, I recognize listeners are truly connected to their farm broadcasters; advertisers understand the importance of that connection; and I know farm broadcasting is proven and will continue to deliver its message to this important part of the nation’s economy,” he said.
[Related: “Farm Broadcasters Prove to Be a Trusted Source for Ag Listeners”]
Watch a video below about the history of the organization, posted for the 75th anniversary in 2019.