Naig Announces Hiring of Julie Kenney as Deputy Secretary for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that Julie Kenney has been hired as the new Deputy Secretary for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. She started with the Department on April 2.

“Julie has a passion for agriculture and will be a tremendous asset to the Department.  Her background and experience are a natural fit for the Department and I’m excited to have her on our team,” Naig said.

As Deputy Secretary, Kenney will assist in management responsibilities for the Department focused on the areas of personnel, budget and policy.  She will also support the Department’s efforts to be accessible to Iowans by traveling regularly to represent the Department at meetings across the state.

“It’s an honor to serve as Deputy Secretary and I look forward to working with Secretary Naig and the team at the Department. The Department plays an important role in protecting consumers, improving our natural resources and promoting Iowa agriculture,” Kenney said.

Before joining the Department, Kenney had been active in the agribusiness industry for nearly 15 years, serving in marketing and communications roles for private industry and agricultural associations and checkoff programs. Kenney and her family also own and operate a corn and soybean farm in Story County.

Kenney, maiden name Kock, grew up on her family’s crop and livestock farm near Lohrville, Iowa.