Polly Ruhland is a seasoned executive and strategist with more than 25 years of experience in agribusiness, production systems and food marketing. She currently works as a partner/senior managing director at FTI Consulting, a global, full-service management firm.

As the CEO of the United Soybean Board (“USB”), Polly led growth in program funding through innovative public-private partnerships and federal grants. Her strategic direction drove innovation in the soybean sector, by investing over $120 million in farmer investments. Programming focused on biotechnology, production improvement, sustainability, and R&D for soy-based industrial products.

Prior to USB, Ms. Ruhland served as CEO to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (“CBB”), overseeing investment and management of approximately $80 million dedicated to beef research, promotion and education efforts. The programs under her leadership increased consumer preference, enhanced beef quality and advanced production sustainability.

Earlier in her career, she managed issues and crisis communication, investor and corporate relations for National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Polly currently serves on the boards of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture. She holds a master’s degree in agriculture from Colorado State University, is a certified mediator, and an Eisenhower Fellow for International Leaders.