8  / SEEDWORLD.COM  JUNE 2026
years, and how energetic it has been in that engagement,” he 
says. “I see great opportunity for us going forward to tap into 
those energies and those traits from the past.”
The phrase is not about turning back the clock. It is about 
reclaiming the entrepreneurial spirit that has long defined both 
ASTA and the seed industry.
For Gerard, innovation remains the industry’s most powerful 
tool.
“The most important thing that we can learn is that innova­
tion provides solutions and sets the table for the next menu of 
solutions that will be needed,” he says.
In other words, each breakthrough does more than solve 
today’s problems. It creates the foundation for addressing 
emerging and future challenges. He says that same logic applies 
to food security.
“If you think about the ability to feed your country, and then 
also to be able to provide food security to other countries, I 
think it brings stabilization to communities and to countries and 
cultures,” he says.
Gerard believes the seed industry’s work reaches far beyond 
the farm gate. The ability to improve seed means the ability to 
strengthen agriculture, support communities and create greater 
stability around the world.
The Gatekeeper Mindset
One of the defining milestones of Gerard’s year as chair will be 
the rollout of ASTA’s new strategic plan.
The process is intentionally designed to draw in broad 
member participation. Interviews are already underway, and 
ASTA leaders will devote substantial time during the leadership 
conference in Milwaukee to gathering input.
“Whoever shows up is going to get a seat around the table 
and be able to have a voice,” Gerard says.
He wants the final plan to reflect the full diversity of the seed 
industry.
“We represent everything from alfalfa to zucchini and span 
independents to multinational companies,” he says. “A strategic 
plan has to be something that continues to allow that entire indus­
try to flourish.”
Gerard also intends to strengthen ASTA’s advocacy efforts, 
particularly at the state level where policy proposals increasingly 
affect seed businesses.
“We are phenomenal at the federal level, recognized as the 
voice of the seed industry,” he says. “Elected officials know who 
we are. Regulators know who we are.”
Building that same recognition and influence in state capitals, 
he says, represents one of the organization’s biggest opportunities.
Gerard uses an unusual word to describe his role as chair.
Gatekeeper.
He doesn’t mean someone who closes doors, rather someone 
who keeps them open.
“For this one year, I want to be a gatekeeper that allows the 
industry to flourish and to find solutions to the challenges that 
set the table for our industry to really bring value to a person’s 
life,” he says.
The term captures his approach to leadership. He doesn’t 
speak about imposing a personal agenda. Instead, he talks about 
creating the conditions for others to succeed.
“We have a phenomenally gifted board and a phenomenally 
gifted, talented staff,” he says.
His responsibility, as he sees it, is to make sure they feel 
empowered and have the tools they need to perform at the 
highest level.
Family, Faith and Ballroom Dancing
Away from the office, Gerard centers his life around on family.
He and his wife Robin celebrate 42 years of marriage this 
year. After spending most of their lives in Indiana, they moved to 
the Nashville area shortly before COVID to be closer to their son, 
daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Gerard also enjoys kayaking, fishing, church and community 
involvement. One hobby often catches people by surprise.
“Ballroom dancing is something that my wife and I really 
enjoy,” he says. “I really enjoy the competitive part of it.”
The comment feels fitting. Whether he is dancing, leading a 
business or guiding a trade association, Gerard appears most 
energized when movement is purposeful and partners are work­
ing in step.
As he begins his year as ASTA chair, Gerard brings the per­
spective of a family businessman, the discipline of a longtime vol­
unteer and the optimism of an entrepreneur who sees possibility 
in every challenge.
His theme may be Back to the Future, but his message to the 
seed industry is unmistakably current. Stay calm. Stay engaged. 
Keep innovating.
Because, as Gerard puts it, “There’s not much that doesn’t 
start around the seed.” SW
Bryan and Robin Gerard enjoy time together in Newport, Rhode 
Island. The couple will celebrate 43 years of marriage in June. 
PHOTO: BRYAN GERARD

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.