The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), a nonprofit organization that specializes in assembling and communicating science-based agricultural information to a broad audience, announces the appointment of its new Executive Vice President, Kent G. Schescke. Linda Chimenti, the current EVP, will retire at the end of May after 15 successful years with CAST. Mr. Schescke will assume the role of EVP effective June 1, 2015, at the headquarters office in Ames.
During the past 24 years, Schescke’s professional career has focused on the National FFA Organization and the National FFA Foundation. He has years of experience in fundraising, development, and government relations for these nonprofit youth organizations. While he also handled numerous managerial and executive-level responsibilities, he is especially proud of the work he has done with agricultural education and youth development.
Schescke is familiar with CAST’s history and mission. As he points out, “I have had the opportunity to work with CAST in many capacities. I have great respect for the organization and the work it does to elevate the importance of agricultural science and technology.”
Schescke’s experience and philosophy fit smoothly with CAST’s overall goals. He agrees that agriculture sectors face many challenges and opportunities, and he is positive about the future. “Advances in technology through research and innovation hold bright promise as long as we continue to secure the social license, political will, and funding to make it possible.”
Dr. David Songstad, President of CAST, welcomes Schescke to the organization. “On behalf of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and Board of Representatives, we are very excited that Mr. Kent Schescke has accepted the offer to be the next Executive Vice President of our organization. The search for Linda Chimenti’s successor began last year after the announcement of her upcoming retirement and concludes today with the announcement of Kent as the next EVP. I believe Kent will quickly build on the excellent work Linda has contributed over the past couple of years.”
Along with the traditional publication and communication aspects of CAST, Schescke will take over several key programs that Ms. Chimenti has successfully developed–including the popular Ag quickCAST publications and the new “Top Fifty Food Questions” video series.
Chimenti says, “I wish Kent all the best as he transitions from his outstanding career at FFA to the leadership role at CAST. With strong support from the Board of Directors, active participation by the Board of Representatives, thoughtful guidance by the Board of Trustees, and capable assistance from the Headquarters Office Staff, he can look forward to a great experience at this wonderful organization.”