Animal Agriculture Alliance President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith announced the appointment of Hannah Thompson as the Alliance’s new Director of Communications.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Thompson held a position in marketing with Farm Credit Mid-America in Louisville, Kentucky. Previously, she worked as a Staff Writer and Production Assistant for Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net.

“Hannah brings a clear passion for agriculture to the Alliance. Her experience, education and communications skills make her a true asset to not only our organization but also the broader agriculture industry,” said Johnson Smith. “We are very fortunate to have Hannah join our team. She will no doubt help take the Alliance’s mission to new heights.”

As the Director of Communications, Thompson will develop, oversee and implement all aspects of the Alliance’s communications and media outreach strategy.

Thompson holds a B.S. in agricultural communication and an M.S. in agricultural and extension education from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. While pursuing her education, Thompson completed an undergraduate thesis based on agricultural policy and a graduate thesis focused on crisis communications and planning within the dairy industry.

“I have a deep personal commitment to animal agriculture, and I am proud to be working on behalf of farmers and ranchers to communicate their passion for the work they do every day to care for their livestock and produce high-quality, wholesome food products,” said Thompson of her new role.

Thompson, a native of Walkersville, Maryland, grew up involved with dairy cattle and continues to be active in the industry.