Gardner Hatch has been named the next executive director of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB).
According to an NAFB press release, Hatch brings 30-plus years of experience in public relations, agriculture marketing and strategic communications to the role.
Most recently, he was strategic marketing lead at Woodruff, an integrated marketing company specializing in agriculture. NAFB said he also has held public relations and management positions at other ag marketing firms including Bader Rutter, G&S Business Communications and Fleishman Hillard.
Additionally, Hatch recently completed a two-year term as an Allied Industry Council representative on the NAFB Board of Directors.
“We believe Gardner is the top candidate to fill the role of NAFB executive director for many reasons,” said Carah Hart, 2024 NAFB president, in the press release. “His background in ag communications and his knowledge of the ag industry, along with his management style and leadership qualities, will serve him well in the role.”
Hatch’s primary roles will be to oversee NAFB staff as well as manage the overall budget for the association. He also will serve as the staff lead to the NAFB Board of Directors, providing information to the board regarding NAFB practices, budget, programs and concerns.
“Farm broadcasting has long been and continues to be a trusted source of timely and locally relevant information for America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” Hatch said in the release. “The future has never been brighter for NAFB. I am truly honored and tremendously excited to work with the staff and board of directors to build on the success of NAFB and secure an even brighter future for the membership, the association and farm broadcasting.”
Hatch’s first day in the executive director role will be June 4. He will work remotely and also from the NAFB home office in Platte City, Mo.
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