National Association of Farm Broadcasting Executive Director Tom Brand announced he will step down from the organization at the end of this year. Brand has been an outspoken advocate for the AM For Every Vehicle Act and for preserving radio for rural communities.
Brand has been NAFB Executive Director since August 2011. He previously served as NAFB President for 2003 and spent time on-air as Eagle Communications’ Farm Director at KFEQ-AM in St. Joseph, MO for 15 years. The search for a new executive director will be led by the NAFB executive board and board of directors.
NAFB President Joe Gill said, “I want to thank Tom for his leadership of NAFB for the last 12-plus years. His passion and dedication to farm broadcasting has been invaluable, and I’m truly grateful for his service to the NAFB.”
Brand commented, “A lot of things have changed since I came to NAFB in August 2011. Our industry looks different, but it has done a wonderful job remaining relevant and is positioned for the future. I’m pleased with the status of the association, noting growth in multiple areas – membership, offerings to members, financial stability, and impact to the agriculture community. Looking back on more than 30 years of involvement with NAFB, I recognize listeners are truly connected to their farm broadcasters; advertisers understand the importance of that connection; and I know farm broadcasting is proven and will continue to deliver its message to this important part of the nation’s economy.”
