DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (June 14, 2023) — The Maryland Farm Bureau Board of Directors has named Parker Welch as the organization’s new executive director.

Welch has held several key positions within Maryland Farm Bureau since he was hired in November 2014. He previously served as regional field manager on the Eastern Shore and in southern Maryland; a registered lobbyist for three years; staff for both leadership development programs; director of organization where he managed the Field Services Department; and most recently as interim executive director after John Torres announced his resignation since May.

“Parker has a long history with Maryland agriculture and Maryland Farm Bureau. He has worked at all levels of the organization and that experience will be invaluable in the next chapter of his career with the organization,” said Wayne Stafford, president of Maryland Farm Bureau. “We are excited to have Parker serving in this role and know that he will provide steadfast leadership for Farm Bureau moving forward.”

Welch graduated from Virginia Tech where he majored in dairy science with a minor in professional writing. He is also a Class X fellow of the LEAD Maryland program.

Welch has been an integral part of many of Maryland Farm Bureau’s programs and services, and this transition in leadership will bring continuity to the organization. As executive director, he will serve as the chief executive of the statewide organization and lead efforts to advance its mission to protect and grow Maryland agriculture and preserve rural life.

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MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 9,500 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. For more information, visit www.mdfarmbureau.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Amber Pearson | Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc. (TSN Communications)
573.268.6853 | amber@tsncommunications.com