The nation's leading agricultural fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR), announces the hiring of Rex Martin, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Martin takes over for Phil Josephson, who is retiring after more than 40 years of heading the organization.
“We thank Phil for his tireless dedication to the fraternity,” says Grand President Julian Garcia. “And we look forward to what Rex will bring to the table based on his wide-ranging resume and a perfect personality to lead AGR.”
Martin most recently was Vice President of Governmental Relations for States Strategies, a leading Washington D.C., based consulting firm. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of Owner Relations at Dairy Management Inc. and also held numerous government and industry affairs positions at Syngenta.
Rex grew up on a farrow to finish swine operation in Camden Arkansas. He presently lives in Springfield, Missouri with his wife, Kristie. They have two daughters, Blair who is a freshman at DePaul University in Chicago and Haley who is a Sophomore at Kickapoo High School.
After a rigorous nationwide search, Garcia explains that Martin's well-rounded background separated him from other candidates. “We had many great applicants but felt Rex brought a diversity of experience that will take the fraternity to the next level. He really understands agriculture but also the importance of building consensus among a broad base of interests.”
The national headquarters of AGR is in Kansas City, Missouri. It now encompasses 71 chapters and 3,135 students in universities across the country. Its purpose is grounded in sharing a common bond within a dynamic, global reach of agriculture.
“I am thrilled and honored to be chosen to lead AGR,” Martin says. “I have fond memories of my involvement at the University of Arkansas chapter and over the years have found other brothers to be a big part of my business and industry network.”
Martin takes over officially on February 19, 2018. “AGR has a great track record of developing young men into productive leaders of the agricultural industry,” he says. “Many leaders cite their experiences with the fraternity as a fundamental factor in their personal and professional growth. I look forward to bringing my personal passion to this role.”
Kincannon & Reed, a global executive search firm focused on the food and agribusiness sectors, assisted AGR and its CEO search committee in the recruitment of Martin. Jon Leafstedt, Managing Partner
About Alpha Gamm Rho
Alpha Gamma Rho is the fraternity sharing a common bond within a dynamic, global agriculture committed to fostering the highest values and providing each and every brother with superior lifelong personal development and professional success. For more information on Alpha Gamma Rho, call 816-891-9200, email agr@alphagammarho.org or visit our website at www.alphagammarho.org.
