Katie Nelson to Leave ISDA, Accepts New Role as INFB Executive Director of Public Policy

**Katie Nelson, who is leaving the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to serve as Executive Director of Public Policy for Indiana Farm Bureau. Photo courtesy of INFB.**

Katie Nelson, who has served as Deputy Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) since June 2023, will soon be leaving the agency to accept the position of Executive Director of Public Policy with Indiana Farm Bureau.

Nelson is filling the role that was previously held by Andy Tauer, who left in May to become Vice President of International Market Development for the National Pork Board.

In addition to leading the public policy team, Nelson will be responsible for the overall management of policy for Indiana Farm Bureau at the local, state and national levels.

Nelson tells Hoosier Ag Today that her last day as ISDA’s Deputy Director will be Friday, August 8. Her first day on the job for Indiana Farm Bureau will be Monday, August 11.

“I have truly enjoyed my time at ISDA for the last 8 years and will certainly miss the team,” says Nelson. “I’ve learned many valuable lessons and made countless friends along the way. I’m excited for this next chapter with Indiana Farm Bureau!”

Nelson has been with ISDA since 2017. She was previously Director of Legislative Affairs within the department, a role she has held since 2020. Prior to that she was the program manager of policy and regulatory affairs at ISDA.

Nelson graduated in December of 2016 from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in political science. In 2019, Nelson graduated from the Agribusiness Council of Indiana’s Emerging Professionals Leadership Program. Nelson also is a 2021 graduate of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series. In the summer of 2024, she graduate from AgriInstitute’s Agriculture Leadership Program (ALP) Class 20.

Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, who also serves as Secretary of ISDA, issued the following statement on social media on Nelson’s departure from the agency:

Congratulations to Katie Nelson on her outstanding dedication to Indiana’s agricultural community! After nearly nine years of exceptional service—including her role as Deputy Director at the Indiana State Department of Agriculture—Katie is embarking on an exciting new chapter as Executive Director of Public Policy with Indiana Farm Bureau.

Her commitment to representing and advocating for Indiana agriculture has been truly remarkable, and we couldn’t be more grateful for her unwavering service to our state. This new position will allow Katie to continue her impactful work in policy leadership at the local, state, and national levels.

Wishing Katie tremendous success in this next season of service! Indiana agriculture is fortunate to have such a dedicated advocate continuing to champion our farming community.