b'TOP MANAGEMENT MAVERICKS OF NORTH AMERICAUNITED STATESDOUG HUBNER President, Hubner Industries LULU RODRIGUEZSeed Science Center (SSC) Global Programs Attributes:Strategic, Inspirational,Lead, Iowa State UniversityInnovative, Coach, Humble Attributes : Inclusive, Strategic, Empathetic, Innovative, SupportiveNominators said:Doug demonstrates a strong commitment to the long-termNominators said:As interim direc-sustainability of the seed industry. Hetor of the Iowa State University Seed pioneers new paths and innovations inScience Center, Lulu demonstrated agricultural technology and tools to advance the industry. Heexemplary leadership in transition. Her mentors youth interested in agriculture, 4-H and FFA, andnatural leadership style, characterized by grace, confidence, is dedicated to seed industry leadership. Doug sets Hubnerclarity, empathy and decisiveness, made an uncertain time Industries strategic direction and culture. He cares aboutmanageable. Lulus inclusive leadership fosters a collaborative his team, always encouraging and supporting individual andenvironment. She streamlined operations, enhanced research team growth and development. Doug encourages learning andinitiatives and strengthened industry partnerships. Her empa-actively participates in his team members growth. He fostersthetic and supportive approach boosts team morale, encourag-an inclusive and collaborative work environment that is alsoing professional development and a culture of excellence. enjoyable and fun through recognition and team-wide events. Dougs prioritizes purpose, team and community.More about Lulu:She is an adjunct agricultural communica-tions professor. She strives to improve global seed and food More About Doug:He graduated from Purdue University andsecurity. Lulu has a bachelors degree from the University of joined the family seed business as a third-generation seedsman.the Philippines at Los Baos, a masters degree from Cornell His career began in production and retail, progressing to dis- University, and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-trict sales manager and brand lead. In 2021, Doug returned toMadison. She was the graduate education director for the ISU Hubner Industries. Under his leadership, the company has seenGreenlee School of Journalism and Communication before tremendous growth. He enjoys spending time with his familydirecting the University of Illinois agricultural communications and serving at his church. program.JAY HULBERTPresident and CEO, Ag Alumni Seed PONSI TRIVISVAVET CEO, InariAttributes:Forward-Thinker,Attributes:Empowering, Protector, Developer, Creative, Original Collaborative, Compassionate, Motivating, VisionaryNominators said:Jay has a unique understanding of market sensitivityNominators said:Ponsis vision, com-and human consumption trends. Hemitment and industry knowledge guide explores creative, futuristic ideas. JayInaris mission to address food security invests in future-focused innovations while protecting cur- and sustainability. Shes dedicated to tackling the worlds most rent interests. He positively impacts the work environment byvexing challenges, but her people-first approach sets her apart. A consistently supporting innovative opportunities. He creates anservant leader who fosters an inclusive environment, Ponsi leads environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Hewith humility, empathy and integrity. She guides success from inspires his team to strive for excellence. Jays leadership has ledthe inside out, ensuring the company has the resources to build to significant innovations at Purdue, including advancements ina culture of open communication, innovation and collaboration. nanobiotechnology for cereal crops. He has a creative approachPonsi has written dozens of handwritten notes to employees, that stays ahead of the curve. Jays success with novel traits andexpressing genuine gratitude for their efforts. She champions a varieties, such as short corn, showcases his ability to supportno silos approach and leads the charge in diversity. and drive groundbreaking projects. More About Ponsi:Her broad management expertise in More About Jay:He is a seasoned executive with more thanglobal agriculture helped her build Inari into a cutting-edge three decades in agribusiness. His career began on the familycompany. She leads the organization toward achieving its vision farm, and he has since held national and international roles inof building a more sustainable global food system in the face of production, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, salesclimate change. Prior to joining Inari, she held several leader-and marketing. Jay served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer andship roles, including president of North America Seeds with holds a bachelors degree from the University of Washington. Syngenta after earning an MBA from Cornell University.SEPTEMBER 2024 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 7'