Blueberry council hires new government affairs director

The Folsom, Calif.-based North American Blueberry Council has selected Alyssa Houtby as its new government affairs director.

In this newly created role, Houtby will lead the council’s advocacy efforts and will work closely with Monument Advocacy, NABC’s Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm, according to a news release.

“I’m excited to have Alyssa’s federal affairs experience, relationships and passion for agriculture in support of the blueberry industry going forward,” NABC President Kasey Cronquist said in the release. “Having our first-ever government affairs director on board is a game changer for the council and for the stakeholders we represent.”

Prior to joining NABC, Houtby was the senior director of federal affairs for California Citrus Mutual in Exeter, Calif. During her 11 years with CCM, she also served as the director of government affairs and director of public affairs, the release said.

Houtby has extensive experience in communications with policymakers, coalition building, policy analysis and political strategy development, the release said. Her deep understanding of governmental processes, USDA programs and global trade dynamics affecting agriculture will help NABC fulfill its mission of encouraging cooperation among the international blueberry community, providing members with critical market information, and acting as an advocate for the blueberry industry in legislative and regulatory concerns, according to the release.

Houtby earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. She’s an alumna of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (Class 49) and has served as a board member of the Alliance for Food & Farming, the release said.

“I’m thrilled to represent the blueberry industry in Congress and state houses across the country, and help drive policies that promote the continued growth and success of the blueberry industry,” Houtby said in the release. “I look forward to contributing to the NABC’s service to the industry in the governmental advocacy space.”