Ann McDonaldThe Southern Wisconsin Agricultural Group (SWAG) announced the hiring of Ann McDonald as the group's new Executive Director on Wednesday, April 8th. McDonald has a wealth of experience in fundraising, marketing, public relations and agriculture having previously worked with Beck Ag, Quality Liquid Feeds and BouMatic.

"The SWAG Board of Directors is very excited to have Ann as a part of our team. We feel strongly that Ann is exactly the person we need to move the project forward and provide the energy, expertise and networking needed. Ann's leadership will ensure a successful Capital Campaign and operational Education and Innovation project", stated John Morning, SWAG Board Member and Hiring Committee Chairperson.

SWAG was founded in 2010 by individuals committed to promoting agriculture. The vision of SWAG is to ensure a continuum of ag engagement focused on protecting the cultural and economic benefit of all aspects of agriculture. Their bold initiative to build an Agricultural Education and Innovation Center came closer to reality with the recent announcement of a partnership with the community of Marshall, Wisconsin as the location. Plans include an Agriculture Discovery Center, an Agricultural Education Center, Training Center and Events Facilities.

SWAG President Mike Larson commented, "We are thrilled to continue moving forward on our vision with partners in Marshall and valued donors. Ann's leadership skills and passion for our project and agriculture in general will be an asset as she carries out our vision and mission."

Growing up on a beef, swine and crop farm in Galena, IL, McDonald was very active in 4-H and FFA. She earned an associate's degree in Agribusiness from Highland Community College in Freeport, IL followed by a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics. While working in Madison, WI, McDonald attended Edgewood College and earned an MBA with a marketing emphasis.

McDonald is very active as a community volunteer in Dodgeville, where she lives with her husband and three children. She can be reached at executivedirector@whyagmatters.com or 608.490.1144.

Southern Wisconsin Agricultural GroupFor more information on SWAG, please visit www.whyagmatters.com and Facebook page SWAG – Southern Wisconsin Agricultural Group.
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4.14.2015