Lauren Waldrip Ward
The Arkansas Rice Federation Board on Wednesday announced that Lauren Waldrip Ward has been selected as its new executive director.
Originally from Moro (Lee County), Ward was raised on a rice, soybean and corn farm and is the fifth-generation descendant of a Delta farm family.
She joined the federation in March 2015, assisting in trade association management, media relations, communications, PAC management and public affairs. Ward also traveled to Cuba on a trade mission in June 2016 as part of the ongoing effort to normalize relations with the country and reopen the Cuban market to Arkansas rice.
“Rice is a big part of my life story and now more than ever, it is vital that we tell the story of Arkansas agriculture and our rural communities,” Ward said in a news release. “I look forward to continuing my advocacy on the issues that face our growers and our industry.”
Federation Chairman Jeff Rutledge said in the release, “Lauren’s thorough background and knowledge of the industry has been an asset to the Federation since she began. We are excited about what the future holds for the federation and Arkansas’ rice industry under her leadership as executive director.”
The federation represents all aspects of the rice industry, including the Arkansas Rice Council, Arkansas Rice Farmers, Arkansas Rice Merchants and Arkansas Rice Millers.
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