Duane Simpson was named the 11th President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) in May 2025. As the organization’s chief executive, Duane leads NCFC’s efforts to advance the interests of America’s farmer cooperatives. His leadership is focused on positioning NCFC to drive innovation, sustainability, and long-term success across the cooperative landscape.

Prior to joining the Council, he served as Vice President, Head of Agricultural Affairs & License to Operate for North America, Australia, and New Zealand at Bayer Crop Science. Prior to joining Bayer, he served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Kansas Grain & Feed Association and led their lobbying efforts and those of their sister organization, the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association. He also has almost a decade of legislative and political campaign experience.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, graduating magna cum laude from Fort Hays State University. Duane lives in Falls Church, Virginia, with his wife Lisa and their daughter Hailey.