Heather Thompson Email & Phone Number

Normal, Illinois, Us

As Director of Innovation for GROWMARK, I am responsible for executing on the organization's enterprise innovation strategy. This includes driving innovation efforts through exploration, development, and implementation of breakthrough ideas. I build and maintain a network of startup accelerators, venture professionals, and other partners who can further GROWMARK’s innovation initiatives. I also serve as the primary liaison between GROWMARK and Cooperative Ventures, LLC our joint Corporate Venture Capital Fund with CHS. Finally, I direct an investment advisory council to engage members in understanding our innovation efforts, monitoring emerging trends, and identifying industry disruption while maintaining accountability for developing best in class innovation processes for GROWMARK.

Normal, Illinois, Us

Develop digital communications strategy for GROWMARK System. Lead a team of digital marketing professionals who manage websites, social media platforms, and SEO/SEM for System brands, products, and members.

Normal, Illinois, Us

Responsible for creating and reinforcing our System image through the direction, development, implementation, and overall leadership of System young producer programs. Work in support of FS member companies and GROWMARK owned-retail operations to develop relationships with young producers, engage them in the FS/GROWMARK System, educate them about the value of doing business with cooperatives, and develop them for future leadership roles in the System.

Normal, Illinois, Us

Participate in regulatory and legislative negotiating and communication process with elected officials, government agencies, and industry groups to convey GROWMARK's position and obtain acceptable regulations and legislation. Evaluate proposed government legislation and regulations to determine the impact to the GROWMARK System. Communicate government changes to affected divisions of System. Develop issue papers on emerging and developing issues to enhance System awareness.

Normal, Illinois, Us

Lead digital and electronic communications strategy development for organization. Implement strategy through social media community management, web development, and trend research. Provide leadership and direction to Electronic Communications Coordinator.

Normal, Illinois, Us

Managed the redesign of GROWMARK's public website, www.growmark.com. Developed content, created pages and news archive, and managed production schedule.

The International Food & Agricultural Trade Policy Council (IPC) promotes a more open and equitable global food system. IPC pursues international policies in food and agriculture that will help to meet the world's growing needs. While at IPC I researched WTO ministerial debates, the slow food movement, and the Doha Round. I also fulfilled the duties of Communications Director from October-December 2009. In this role I authored press releases, managed media at an international event in Washington, D.C., and established a bi-weekly publication, IPC Alert.

Normal, Illinois, Us

Created and managed GROWMARK Intern blog. Researched and wrote articles for employee magazine, employee intranet, and Illinois Farm Bureau weekly newspaper. Organized tours of new GROWMARK facility for 200 employees. Managed redesign of HR recruitment materials, including necessary photography.

Master Of Science (M.S.), Strategic Management

B.A., Political Science And Communication Studies

Education record