CropLife America Honors Agricultural Leaders at 2026 Awards Ceremony

CropLife America (CLA) recognized outstanding leaders from across the agricultural and crop protection sectors at its 2026 Annual Meeting.

“This year’s honorees exemplify the dedication, innovation, and leadership that drive our industry forward,” said Steve Petersen, CLA Board Chair. “Through science, dedication, partnership, and leadership, they have advanced solutions that support farmers, strengthen agriculture, and benefit consumers around the world.”

Starting in the 1960s, the CLA Awards celebrate individuals whose contributions helped shape the association and agriculture over a sustained period.

“Our award recipients reflect some of the very best individuals working in agriculture today,” said Alexandra Dunn, CLA President and CEO. “Whether they have spent decades advancing crop protection solutions or are newly making their mark, we are proud to recognize the meaningful contributions they have made to the pesticide industry and to agriculture.”

2026 Award Recipients

Lifetime Achievement Award — Recognizing a career of extraordinary leadership, service, and dedication to the pesticide industry and CLA.
Andy Lee, Past Chair, CLA Board of Directors, Valent U.S.A. LLC (retired)

In recognition of Lee’s longstanding commitment to fighting food insecurity, CLA established the Andy Lee Advancing Food Security Annual Meeting Donation Program. Each year, CLA will donate to a food pantry in the Annual Meeting host city. For 2026, CLA will donate to the Pleasant Grove Food Pantry in Dallas.

Lea S. Hitchner Award —A high honor recognizing sustained career dedication and service to CLA and the pesticide industry.
John Cummings, North America Registration and RegulatoryAffairs Director,FMC Corporation
Dave Flakne, Senior Director, Syngenta Crop Protection

Exceptional Achievement Award —Recognizing an individual who exemplifies the best of the industry.
Paul Rea, Past Chair, CLA Board of Directors, BASF Corporation

Exceptional Service Award —Recognizing outstanding service and dedication to agriculture and CLA.
Don Chew, CLA Executive Chairman, PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc., for his service as CLA treasurer.
Tilghman Hall, Head of Environmental Safety North America, Bayer Crop Science
Karen Reardon, Vice President of Public Affairs, RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)

Pillar Award — Recognizing superior commitment and service to CLA.
Chris Hassinger, Senior Environmental Exposure Scientist, BASF Corporation
Claire Koenig, Global Regulatory Toxicologist, Corteva Agriscience
Jeff Smith, Associate Director, Valent U.S.A. LLC

Rising Star Award —Acknowledging emerging leaders helping shape the future of the crop protection industry.
Travis Bui, Global Human Safety Science Policy and Strategy Leader, Corteva Agriscience
Janet Hou, State Regulatory Affairs Manager, BASF Corporation
Rajani Somaiah, North America Regulatory Affairs Product Chemistry Lead, Bayer Crop Science

Jay Vroom Agriculture Ambassador Award — Honoring significant contributions to agricultural education.
Harrison Pittman, Director, National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas

State Leadership Award — Recognizing state-level leadership and advocacy on behalf of agriculture.
Julie Kenney, CEO, Agribusiness Association of Iowa
Chuck Lippstreu, President, Michigan Agri-Business Association

Urbanowski Grassroots Award — For efforts to advance positive pesticide policy solutions at the community level.
Elizabeth Burns Thompson, Executive Director, Modern Ag Alliance
Margaret Ziegler, U.S. Representative, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Chairman’s Award —For a staff member’s above and beyond service to CLA and its members.
Sheila Erickson, Senior Director, Operations and Administration, CLA
Rebecca Haynie, Ph.D., Director of Science Policy and Regulatory Affairs, CLA

The 2026 CLA Annual Meeting brings together leaders from across the crop protection industry in Dallas for three days of education, connection, and collaboration. This year’s theme, “Working to Maximize Every Harvest,” reflects CLA’s commitment to advancing innovation and supporting farmers today and for generations to come.

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