KJ Johnson named to ISA post

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois Soybean Association has hired Kevin “KJ” Johnson as the new director of government relations and strategy.

Johnson, a familiar face in the ag community, was most recently the president of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association and had served on staff at IFCA since 2013.

At IFCA, he oversaw regulatory and legislative issues and the development of programs that promote stewardship and safety for the nutrient and agri-chemical industry.

Before coming to IFCA, Johnson worked on Capitol Hill for Congressman Tim Johnson as his agriculture liaison.

“As the Illinois Soybean Association moves into a new era of leadership, innovation and impact, the ISA board and staff are excited to see KJ Johnson lead our highly skilled government relations team,” said John Lumpe, ISA CEO.

“KJ brings a wealth of industry knowledge, relationships and experience in Illinois agriculture and as a farmer himself, will be a powerful voice for soybean farmers in Springfield and D.C.”

As the director of government relations and strategy at ISA, Johnson will manage governmental affairs, stakeholder relationships and community engagements in support of the strategic objectives.

Johnson will lead the team developing policy positions and legislative initiatives and manage the outreach efforts of ISA.

This position also advises the CEO and the board of directors with strategic analysis of the soybean industry, agriculture and related industries.

“As a third-generation farmer myself, I understand the challenges that farmers face every day,” Johnson said. “With that in mind, I look forward to continuing to serve the Illinois ag community in this new capacity at Illinois Soybean Association.”

Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and political science from Illinois State University. He has served on the board of directors for the FieldWatch, the Illinois Seed Trade Association and Business & Industry Federation of Economic Concern.

He lives in St. Joseph with his wife, Anna, and three young children, and grows soybeans and corn with his family in Champaign and Vermilion counties.