WASHINGTON — The United Egg Producers announce that Donald Grady has been hired as its new vice president of government affairs. In this position, Grady will lead UEP’s newly established office in Washington, D.C., located in the 800 Maine Ave. SW building at the Wharf, the organization said in its announcement.
UEP is a farmer cooperative working collaboratively to address legislative, regulatory and advocacy problems affecting U.S. egg production.
As VP of government affairs, Grady will support the organization’s members by educating, informing and influencing key decision-makers on important issues facing the egg industry including bird flu, Salmonella prevention, and more, the group noted.
“It has never been more important for UEP to have an increased presence in Washington,” Chad Gregory, UEP president and CEO, said. “Donald’s experiences in navigating the everchanging political and regulatory climates are crucial to UEP successfully advocating for and delivering valued benefits to U.S. egg producers, especially on issues connected to HPAI.”
The new DC-based office combined with the addition of Grady increases the UEP’s lobbying footprint at the federal level, allowing for more visibility and engagement with lawmakers and industry stakeholders. Grady’s relevant experience in animal agriculture and protein sectors was a key driver in his hiring for this role, Gregory added.
“America’s egg farmers have faced unprecedented challenges the past few years, and I am proud to be their voice in Washington, D.C.,” Grady said. “Sharing their legislative and regulatory priorities through the lens of the egg producer on the front lines will be critical going forward.”
Before earning this position, Grady worked as the senior director of legislative affairs for the International Dairy Foods Association. At the IDFA, Grady represented the interests of dairy processors and provided strategic leadership on agriculture, immigration, transportation and supply chain policy issues affecting food production and supply chain resilience, UEP noted.
Additionally, Grady has previously worked for U.S. Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) as a legislative assistant, where he had a hand in developing the Farm Bill of 2014.
