Alison Vergeront has been appointed the new executive vice president of the Montana Grain Growers Association.
“We could not be more pleased that Alison has agreed to become our new executive vice president. I am confident that her qualifications, experience and dedication to agriculture are attributes that will help steward MGGA’s legacy during this time of transition,” said MGGA President Vince Mattson, of Chester, Mont.
Vergeront has been involved in agriculture policy for many years and has worked closely with the current executive vice president of MGGA, Lola Raska, making the new venture a perfect fit for Vergeront.
“It has been one blessing after another with ag policy jobs. When I heard Lola was retiring, I decided to throw my hat in the ring, and I was given the opportunity,” Vergeront said.
Vergeront has worked in the Montana State Legislature for multiple sessions and for the past six years has worked for U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.
ADVERTISEMENT
“So I was able to do agriculture for the senator when he was on the ag committee. When he was on the finance committee, I was also able to work on the last farm bill and several other ag related legislations,” Vergeront said.
Vergeront has strong ties to the agriculture industry, growing up on the family farm by Polson, Mont., that was homesteaded in 1910.
“I grew up on the same farm that was homesteaded in 1910, up in northwest Montana. I did grow up with farming, ranching and showing horses. I was a 4-H girl at heart. I just grew up with that ag background and loved it,” Vergeront said.
Though Vergeront has yet to start her new role, she is already planning what her first months within the organization will look like.
“When I come on board, I’d like to take about 90 days or so just to see what's needed, what is working, what isn’t working, just kind of access the whole role. I certainly plan on working on that next generation, number recruitment, education, research and funding. All those are high on the list of priorities. But like I said, I would like to take the first 90 days to just see what my role should be,” Vergeront said.
Vergeront is eager to grow in her new role, and excited for the change of pace as well.
“I am looking forward to trying something new. I have been with the senator for six years, and have had incredible opportunities in that role, but I am looking forward to doing something new and something more honed in on agriculture. I have been so lucky to work with Lola and work alongside all the other major ag organizations here in Montana. I am just really grateful for the opportunity,” Vergeront said.
