National Sorghum Producers has named Elissa Gilliam as its new Legislative Director, bringing a decade of agricultural and policy experience to the role.
Gilliam grew up on a Tennessee farm and says she “got to Texas as quickly as she could” after graduating college. She earned a master’s degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech University before moving to Washington, D.C., where she built a career in agriculture, food, and public policy.
Her background includes more than four years in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served as agriculture liaison for members on both the agriculture and appropriations committees and played a role in shaping the 2018 Farm Bill. Gilliam later worked in policy communications for a national food retail association and most recently with the American Frozen Food Institute, leading efforts to highlight the value of frozen foods among policymakers.
“Elissa brings a strong background in policy that will strengthen NSP’s advocacy on behalf of sorghum growers,” said NSP CEO Tim Lust. “Her background in both Capitol Hill and agriculture will be a tremendous asset to our members.”
“I am thrilled to return to West Texas and to agriculture policy at a time when growers’ voices matter more than ever,” Gilliam said. “Sorghum producers are resilient, innovative, and vital to America’s food, feed, and fuel needs. I look forward to working alongside the NSP team to ensure those voices are heard in Washington.”