Krysta Harden
President and CEO
USDEC
Krysta Harden serves as President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, where she leads global initiatives to promote U.S. dairy exports and advance the industry's commitment to sustainable nutrition worldwide. A trailblazer in agricultural leadership, Harden made history in February 2021 by becoming USDEC's first female chief executive and only the third president to lead the organization since its inception in 1995.
At USDEC, she directs a skilled team of trade policy professionals, regulatory experts, and marketing specialists while overseeing 10 international offices that enhance market opportunities and improve business conditions for U.S. dairy exporters.
Under Harden's leadership, U.S. dairy exports have reached unprecedented heights, breaking records for three consecutive years (2020-2022) despite global pandemic challenges.
Today, the U.S. dairy industry continues to experience significant growth in both production and processing capabilities, adapting to the changing demands of the global market. Harden is navigating unprecedented challenges in international trade, supply chain logistics, and shifting consumer preferences, while also exploring new opportunities in health-focused products, packaging innovations; and expanding into previously untapped markets across Asia and Africa. Under her leadership, USDEC is positioning U.S. dairy as a global leader in both nutritional excellence and environmental stewardship.
When Harden joined USDEC as chief operating officer in May 2020, she was already familiar with the dairy industry. In April 2019, she began working for Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) as executive vice-president of global environmental strategy, to establish the vision, strategy and plans for U.S. dairy's environmental commitment. Those goals were officially announced in the fall of 2020, including a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050. DMI manages the dairy checkoff for 24,811 U.S. dairy farmers.
Harden's career encompasses both the public and private sectors. She served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Secretary Tom Vilsack, where she led implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill. Prior to becoming Deputy Secretary, Harden served as Assistant Secretary of Congressional Relations and Chief of Staff to the Secretary. Her executive experience includes roles as Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at Corteva Agriscience and CEO of the National Association of Conservation Districts.
A passionate advocate for expanding agricultural opportunities, Harden has championed inclusion for women, young people, immigrants, socially disadvantaged producers, and veterans throughout her career. Her leadership was recognized with induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame in October 2024, following her dedicated service as Chair of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees from 2020-2024.
Harden currently serves on multiple boards advancing food security and agricultural innovation, including the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), Global Child Nutrition Foundation, The Change Collective Advisory Council, the University of Georgia Agriculture Advisory Council, and the Farm Foundation.
At USDEC, she directs a skilled team of trade policy professionals, regulatory experts, and marketing specialists while overseeing 10 international offices that enhance market opportunities and improve business conditions for U.S. dairy exporters.
Under Harden's leadership, U.S. dairy exports have reached unprecedented heights, breaking records for three consecutive years (2020-2022) despite global pandemic challenges.
Today, the U.S. dairy industry continues to experience significant growth in both production and processing capabilities, adapting to the changing demands of the global market. Harden is navigating unprecedented challenges in international trade, supply chain logistics, and shifting consumer preferences, while also exploring new opportunities in health-focused products, packaging innovations; and expanding into previously untapped markets across Asia and Africa. Under her leadership, USDEC is positioning U.S. dairy as a global leader in both nutritional excellence and environmental stewardship.
When Harden joined USDEC as chief operating officer in May 2020, she was already familiar with the dairy industry. In April 2019, she began working for Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) as executive vice-president of global environmental strategy, to establish the vision, strategy and plans for U.S. dairy's environmental commitment. Those goals were officially announced in the fall of 2020, including a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050. DMI manages the dairy checkoff for 24,811 U.S. dairy farmers.
Harden's career encompasses both the public and private sectors. She served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Secretary Tom Vilsack, where she led implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill. Prior to becoming Deputy Secretary, Harden served as Assistant Secretary of Congressional Relations and Chief of Staff to the Secretary. Her executive experience includes roles as Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at Corteva Agriscience and CEO of the National Association of Conservation Districts.
A passionate advocate for expanding agricultural opportunities, Harden has championed inclusion for women, young people, immigrants, socially disadvantaged producers, and veterans throughout her career. Her leadership was recognized with induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame in October 2024, following her dedicated service as Chair of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees from 2020-2024.
Harden currently serves on multiple boards advancing food security and agricultural innovation, including the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), Global Child Nutrition Foundation, The Change Collective Advisory Council, the University of Georgia Agriculture Advisory Council, and the Farm Foundation.