GREELEY, COLO. — JBS USA appointed Karla Thieman as the new senior vice president of public policy and government affairs. She will oversee US public policy and government relations strategies for JBS and Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.

“Karla is one of the brightest, most thoughtful minds in all of agricultural policy today,” said Cameron Bruett, JBS USA head of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer. “She has established herself as a leader in food and agriculture policy and sustainability, which, coupled with her experience, political acumen and passion for the men and women in American agriculture, make her an excellent cultural fit for our organization.”

In the newly added role, Thieman will be based in Washington, DC, where she will lead the establishment of a new office and government relations team.

Thieman grew up on her family’s third-generation farm in Central Missouri, where they raised cattle, corn and soybeans. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri. 

“My family has raised livestock for four generations, and I look forward to working in the industry that I grew up in and shaped much of the person I have become,” Thieman said. “I am also excited about the opportunity to build upon my work on climate, sustainability and social responsibility with a global company that is looking to lead in these important areas.”

Thieman is joining JBS from Finsbury Glover Hering, a global strategic communications advisory firm, where she served as a partner in the Food and Agriculture division.

Previously, Thieman served as chief of staff to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack during the Obama Administration. She also served as a senior policy advisor to Vilsack and later as chief of staff to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden. Prior to her service at USDA, Thieman served as senior professional staff for the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Thieman also held leadership positions on Democratic senatorial campaigns for Sens. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Mark Udall (D-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).