Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search and leadership development firm exclusively serving organizations across the global food and agriculture value chain, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dana Brooks Christy as Managing Director.
In her role, Dana will advise clients on executive search and leadership needs across food, agriculture, agribusiness, associations, and related industries. She brings nearly three decades of experience across food and agriculture, including executive leadership, government and public affairs, organizational strategy, stakeholder engagement, and industry advocacy. Her extensive client-side experience provides a distinctive perspective on the leadership capabilities organizations need to navigate complexity, build trust, and create lasting impact.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dana to Kincannon & Reed,” said Stephanie Liska, President of Kincannon & Reed. “Dana has spent her career at the intersection of leadership, relationships, and complex business and industry challenges. Her experience as a CEO, board partner, industry advocate, and organizational leader gives her an exceptional understanding of what organizations need from their leaders—and what it takes for those leaders to succeed.”
Most recently, Dana served as President and CEO of the Pet Food Institute, the national trade association representing U.S. pet food makers, where she led the organization through significant industry, regulatory, scientific, and reputational challenges. Prior to joining the Pet Food Institute, she held senior leadership positions with Land O’Lakes, Elanco, the National Milk Producers Federation, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, and the American Farm Bureau Federation. Earlier in her career, she worked in commodity markets, agricultural research, insurance, and production agriculture, building a broad understanding of the food and agriculture value chain.
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that an organization’s greatest strength is its people—and that the right leader can change the trajectory of an organization,” said Dana. “After nearly three decades working across food and agriculture, I’m excited to bring those experiences to Kincannon & Reed and help organizations identify exceptional leaders who not only have the experience to succeed, but the character, judgment, and ability to bring people together. For me, this is a natural next chapter: investing in people, strengthening organizations, and helping develop the leaders who will shape the future of food and agriculture.”
Dana has built and led teams, worked closely with boards, developed and mentored professionals, and helped organizations navigate periods of change and uncertainty throughout her career. She is particularly experienced in leadership, government and public affairs, communications, stakeholder engagement, organizational culture, crisis leadership, and association management. She also founded Women in Agriculture (“Waggies”), a professional network for women working across agriculture and agricultural policy in Washington, D.C., which grew from approximately a dozen members to more than 400.
Dana holds a Master of Agribusiness from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. She is also a certified Maxwell Leadership coach and has served on numerous industry and nonprofit boards.
Kincannon & Reed incorporates validated interview techniques and evaluation tools to accurately assess candidates. We have the capability to measure personality traits, motivations and evaluate specific competencies and behaviors. The right assessments provide a balanced approach to understanding potential as much as experience.
Coaching empowers executives to reach their full potential faster, benefiting your organization. We partner certified coaches with executives and use a strengths-based approach to guide leaders through a process that maximizes their potential to drive success.
We bring a history of success delivering advisory and fiduciary board members specifically for family, start-up, and growth organizations. Our industry networks and broad access to executive leadership bring willing candidates from every corner of the market to serve on your board.
