A senior vice president for the National Farmers Union (NFU) has been named a distinguished alumnus by the Holstein Foundation for the 2015 Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI). This news release from NFU says Chandler Goule is one of those recognized for notable contributions and skills gained during the YDLI experience for the betterment of the dairy industry.

“YDLI was key in my initial development as a professional,” Goule said. “It was the first time I took the Myers-Briggs test and learned about the 16 types of personalities. It was the first time I had any type of formal media training. The instruction I received helped me bring the entire dairy industry supply chain together and then later helped when I worked on the House Agriculture Committee. The program also assisted me in identifying my strengths and my weaknesses in order to improve upon both areas. It is a great program, and I am honored to receive this award.”

He was named to his [current position as Senior Vice President of Programs] last March after four-and-a-half years as NFU’s vice president of government relations. Prior to joining the family farm organization, Goule worked for the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, for U.S. Rep. Collin C. Peterson, and for U.S. Rep. John S. Tanner. He earned a master’s degree from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University.

Goule will be honored during the upcoming YDLI Class 9, Phase I program, Feb. 25–28, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona.