Key facts
- Courtney Knupp has been named the new chief executive officer of the United Soybean Board (USB).
- Knupp's tenure as CEO will commence on October 1, 2026.
- She currently holds the position of director of global supply chain at the National Security Council.
- Knupp possesses nearly 20 years of experience in agriculture, international trade, and public policy.
- She previously served as vice president of international market development at the National Pork Board, contributing to a growth in U.S. pork exports to $8.6 billion.
- Knupp will relocate to the USB headquarters in Chesterfield, Missouri.
The United Soybean Board (USB) has announced Courtney Knupp as its incoming chief executive officer, effective October 1, 2026. Knupp, who currently serves as director of global supply chain at the National Security Council, brings nearly two decades of experience in agriculture, international trade, public policy, and market development to the role. The decision was ratified by USB's board of farmer-leaders, representing over 30 states, at their July meeting in Indianapolis.
Brent Gatton, chair of the USB, stated that Knupp possesses the strategic vision, agricultural understanding, and leadership qualities sought by the farmer-leaders, along with a commitment to increasing return on investment for U.S. soybean farmers. Knupp's extensive background includes serving as a senior policy advisor to the U.S. Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture on trade and food safety. She also held significant roles in export development, including vice president of international market development at the National Pork Board, where U.S. pork exports grew to $8.6 billion, and director of global animal and aquaculture nutrition at the U.S. Soybean Export Council.
Earlier in her career, Knupp held chief of staff positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and led international trade policy for the National Pork Producers Council. She also has commercial experience with BASF and Elanco Animal Health. Knupp grew up on her family's soybean farm in Iowa, a connection she maintains. She earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural business and international agriculture from Iowa State University.
Knupp expressed her honor in working with USB's farmer-leaders and partners to enhance the success of U.S. Soy in the global market, emphasizing the checkoff's mission to deliver value back to farmers. The USB board outlined criteria for the CEO position, including leadership, strategic acumen, and a strong connection to agriculture, all of which Knupp reportedly exceeded during her interviews. Knupp is expected to relocate to the USB headquarters in Chesterfield, Missouri, and will remain a federal employee until early September, having recused herself from soybean matters during this transition period.