National Association of Conservation Districts

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NACD WELCOMES TWO NEW POLICY TEAM MEMBERS

WASHINGTON, D.C.—April 20, 2006—The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is pleased to welcome two new members to the association's policy team. Keira Franz has joined NACD's staff as director of legislative affairs. Ryan Yates is the new western issues specialist.

"Keira brings a wealth of Washington experience and contacts to the table," says Krysta Harden, NACD chief executive officer. "In addition, she has a solid understanding of conservation issues across the country. Ryan's recent Hill experience and knowledge of forestry and western issues also adds a needed dimension to our staff. We are pleased to welcome Ryan and Keira to our team."

Franz comes to NACD from the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association where she served as director of legislative affairs for three years. Prior to that, she was the director of public policy for the National Corn Growers Association and worked for three years on Capitol Hill.

Franz earned a bachelor of arts in environmental studies from the University of Kansas and a master's degree in environmental science and policy from Johns Hopkins University.

As director of legislative affairs, Franz will lead NACD's major policy efforts including the 2007 Farm Bill, appropriations and budget issues.

Yates most recently worked for the House of Representatives Resources Committee Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health. A native Californian, Yates earned a degree in agriculture business from California Polytechnic State University.

In his role as western issues specialist, he will represent the Pacific and Southwestern regions and will focus on policy issues critical to the West. In addition, Yates will serve as liaison to the Western Coalition of Conservation Districts.

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The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-profit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts and 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For almost 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. NACD’s website is at www.nacdnet.org.