Aug. 11, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Corn Refiners Association is pleased to announce changes to its government relations team that will strengthen the organization’s ability to offer leading issues management in agriculture and food policy for the corn refining industry.
Danielle Beck, a knowledgeable leader in agriculture policy with more than 15 years of experience in delivering comprehensive results, will join the CRA team as the organization’s Vice President of Government Relations. Beck comes to CRA from Invariant, where she leveraged deep expertise in navigating the Farm Bill and annual appropriations processes to deliver policy wins for CRA and other clients. Prior to her time at Invariant, Beck was a senior executive director for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association following her time handling agriculture and food policy issues while working for Rep. Thomas Rooney (R-FL) on Capitol Hill.
Additionally, Kent Roberson has been promoted to Senior Director of Government Relations. Roberson has been with CRA since 2021 and has played an integral role in building critical relationships to help advance CRA’s priorities in Washington and beyond. In addition to his work with CRA, Roberson is an elected official in the Maryland legislature, where he represents the state’s 25th district. Roberson’s prior experience in Washington includes work advancing policy initiatives as a member of The Smith-Free Group, at CSX Transportation, and a term as a Marshal’s Aide for the United States Supreme Court.
“Danielle and Kent’s new roles on CRA’s government relations team mark an important step in strengthening our advocacy and engagement in Washington,” said CRA President and CEO John Bode. “Danielle and Kent’s deep policy expertise and strong track records of strategic, results-driven advocacy will enhance our ability to deliver results for our members. I am confident that the entire government relations team will be well-positioned to navigate today’s complex policy landscape and advocate effectively for the corn refining industry.”
Both Beck and Roberson will hold identical roles for the Plant Based Products Council, a feedstock-agnostic organization advocating for the advanced bioproducts industry.
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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA)
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch oil, protein, and fiber.