Anne Thompson, a veteran Washington advocate and the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) senior director of PAC and political strategy, has been chosen by the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics as its 2023 Top Grassroots Professional.
Her colleagues at NCGA said she is highly worthy of the award.
“This award confirms what we’ve known all along, and that is that Anne is an amazing advocacy professional who is deeply committed to making a difference for the nation’s corn growers,” said Brooke S. Appleton, NCGA’s vice president of public policy. “Anne’s deep-rooted knowledge of public policy coupled with her extensive relationships, which stretch across party lines, make her formidable in the policy arena and a champion that you want on your side.”
The Top Grassroots Professional is an honor that is awarded yearly to advocates with a proven record of public policy accomplishments. To receive the award candidates must be nominated by someone familiar with their portfolio and accomplishments. This year, Thompson was one of 50 honorees chosen out of 500 nominations.
Thompson has managed many grassroots campaigns for corn growers. A particular highlight was when she helped manage an advocacy initiative to raise awareness about Mexico’s decree blocking biotech corn. Shortly after the completion of the campaign, the Biden administration acted, calling for a dispute settlement under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Thompson will be recognized by the group during a Thursday night event on Capitol Hill.