DEWITT, MI - New beginnings are exciting no matter the industry, but perhaps I’m biased when I say I love hearing about new produce folks above all others. I had reason to celebrate once again with the addition of Jamie Clover Adams to the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board (MAAB), who was recently named its new Executive Director.

Effective May 10, Clover Adams will step into her new role, in which she will bring more than 25 years of experience in state, federal, food and agriculture leadership, and policy. Most recently, she served America’s farmers and ranchers as Farm Production and Conservation Chief of Staff under former USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue.

Prior to that, she served for nearly six years as the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. She was the first woman appointed as Department Director.

According to a press release, she has worked in various roles throughout her career, including the Michigan Senate, and as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture from 1999 to 2003.

“We are very excited to have Jamie serve as our Executive Director at this critical time for Michigan’s asparagus industry,” said Dwight Fuehring, MAAB Chairman. “Her agriculture experience in Michigan and at USDA put her in a great position to work with the MAAB members to move our industry forward.”

Clover Adams takes over from John Bakker, who is set to retire as Executive Director. Bakker served the asparagus industry for nearly 20 years.

Congratulations to Jamie on this new role, and we extend our best wishes to John in his retirement.

Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board