Ryan Tate is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in building relationships and achieving strategic goals across multiple organizations ranging from business and government to non-profits, higher education and associations. In his current position as Associate Director of Local Government for the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB), he works closely with county Farm Bureaus, Farm Bureau members and other key stakeholders on local government issues.

His expertise includes working with special purpose units of government, engaging with primary/secondary education issues and leading IFB’s rural development efforts. Ryan represents the Illinois Farm Bureau on the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council and the Illinois Council for Agricultural Education. He serves on the board of directors for Rural Partners and is currently Vice President of The Chicago Farmers.

Prior to working for the Illinois Farm Bureau, Ryan served as the Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences where he led the college’s relationships and engagement with companies, associations and foundations. Previously, he worked in leadership roles with the National FFA Foundation and the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation. Early in his career, he spent time working for a Congressman and Speaker of the House as well as for Procter & Gamble.