Drawing on a farm background, work experience in the cattle industry and more than 25 years in the sorghum industry, Tim Lust utilizes his unique perspective to lead both National Sorghum Producers (NSP) and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP). Tim received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Angelo State University and earned his master’s degree in business administration from Texas Tech University.

Tim and his wife, Lea Ann, have two sons and two daughters-in-law and several grandchildren. They live near Abernathy, Texas, where Tim stays busy with church activities, livestock and hunting.

Drawing from a background as both a farmer and a sorghum board member, Chris Cogburn has been with National Sorghum Producers (NSP) since 2005. Today he is a senior policy adviser and acts as the manager of Sustainable Crop Insurance Services, an NSP subsidiary. Chris earned a degree in agricultural economics from Texas Tech University.

Chris and his wife, Amy, live in the Hale Center, Texas area. He enjoys gardening and photography.

Elissa Gilliam serves as Legislative Director for National Sorghum Producers, where she leads the organization’s policy and advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. She brings more than a decade of experience in agriculture, food, and public policy to the role.

Raised on a farm in Tennessee, Elissa “got to Texas as quick as she could” after earning a master’s degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech University. She went on to serve over four years working in the U.S. House of Representatives, contributing to the 2018 Farm Bill for members of both the agricultural and appropriations committees. Her career also includes working as Director of Policy for a national food retail association and, most recently, leading federal advocacy for the American Frozen Food Institute.

Elissa is excited to bring her background in policy to agriculture and to NSP members.

Matt Durler serves as Senior Director of Farm Programs & Commercial Innovation at National Sorghum Producers (NSP), where he leverages his background to accelerate strategic partnerships, domestic market opportunities, and key industry initiatives. He brings more than two decades of leadership in the agriculture sector, with extensive expertise in grain merchandising, commercial strategy, and bioenergy development.

Matt earned his MBA from Washburn University. Prior to his current role at NSP, he held executive leadership positions across the grain and biofuel industries, including serving as Vice President of Marketing at Conestoga Energy and Vice President of Feed Development at ICM Inc., focusing on building durable market pathways and enhancing supply chain value for producers across value added agricultural sectors.

A fourth-generation sorghum farmer, Matt lives and farms in Wright, Kansas, with his wife, Lindsay, and their four children.

As Communications Director for National Sorghum Producers (NSP), Eric Washington leads the organization’s communications and media strategy, working to elevate the sorghum industry through compelling storytelling, strategic outreach, and member engagement. He collaborates across teams to support NSP’s mission and strengthen its presence among growers, policymakers, and the broader agricultural community.

Before joining NSP, Eric was a co-founder and the CEO of Two Docs Brewing Co. in Lubbock, Texas. There, he launched creative marketing campaigns that grew the company from a local start-up into a recognized statewide brand. Eric also brings leadership experience from his time as a Squad Leader in the U.S. Marine Corps and holds a bachelor’s degree in Technical Communication from Texas Tech University.

Eric lives in Lubbock with his wife, Kyra, and their two children, Hayes and Sutton. He enjoys staying active, supporting Texas Tech athletics, and spending time with family and friends across West Texas.

Chiree Fields serves as Senior Director, Finance & Operations at National Sorghum Producers, providing financial, operational and organizational support to advance Team Sorghum’s priorities.

A native of eastern New Mexico, Fields grew up on a family farm and developed her passion for agriculture through 4-H and FFA. She attended Texas Tech University and has spent nearly 20 years working in West Texas agriculture.

Her career began in agricultural retail, where she gained experience in the chemical, fertilizer and seed industries. She later spent 17 years in the cotton seed business, advancing from Office Manager to General Manager and Chief Operating Officer across affiliated businesses.

Fields lives in Idalou, Texas, with her husband, Dink, and their twin boys. Outside of work, she enjoys supporting her children’s activities, college football, cooking and crafting.

The industry relations director for National Sorghum Producers (NSP), Jamaca Battin draws on more than 20 years in the agricultural industry to develop new relationships that will allow for greater sorghum representation in Washington, D.C. Additionally, she leads the efforts of the NSP Industry Partner Program and heads up the annual Commodity Classic Sorghum PAC event. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, from Fort Hays State University.

Jamaca has chaired numerous event committees and fundraising events and served as presidents for local non-profits. Currently she is a member of the planning committee for Women Managing the Farm Conference. Jamaca resides near Hastings, Nebraska, with her husband Mike and their son.

As the Crop Improvement Director, Ethan Triplett leads efforts to enhance sorghum genetics, improve production sustainability and advance sorghum’s competitive advantage. His work focuses on identifying early-stage partnership opportunities, ensuring sorghum remains a leading choice for producers and industry stakeholders. Ethan holds a Ph.D. in crop physiology from Texas Tech University and B.S. and M.S. degrees in plant science from West Texas A&M University. A native of Canyon, Texas, he has extensive experience in plant breeding, entomology and plant physiology, specializing in sorghum trait discovery and the mechanisms of host-plant resistance. Ethan is passionate about sorghum research and dedicated to advancing scientific innovation to strengthen the future of sorghum production. His expertise in plant science and commitment to practical application drives his efforts to support producers and further sorghum’s role as a competitive and resilient crop.

Ian Hoeffner started working as the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) information director and transitioned to National Sorghum Producers (NSP) in 2013. Prior to NSP, Ian garnered 10 years of experience as a senior server administrator for a mid-sized internet service provider based in Texas. Ian holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology along with several certifications in advanced computer systems.

He currently resides in Lubbock, Texas, with his wife, Lauren, and his daughter.

As Membership Services Manager for National Sorghum Producers (NSP), Kelly Oswalt leads the organization’s membership growth and retention efforts in coordination with state sorghum associations. She manages NSP’s producer and elevator membership programs, building relationships to expand engagement and strengthen support for the sorghum industry.

Kelly brings more than a decade of experience in agriculture, sales, and communications to her role. She previously worked in the cotton ginning industry in inside sales, where she gained a deep understanding of agricultural production and business operations. Her background also includes roles in insurance, agricultural communications, and customer service, giving her a strong foundation in member relations and outreach.

A West Texas native, Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University.

Kelly lives in Abernathy, Texas, with her husband, a fourth-generation farmer, and their two sons. Outside of work, she enjoys running, reading, working out, and cheering on her boys in sports and school activities.

Eva Guajardo serves as Controller at National Sorghum Producers, where she oversees the financial accounting of the organization, its subsidiaries and affiliates. This includes managing accounting for NSP’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities grant. Eva holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in business administration from Texas Tech University, and she brings over 30 years of combined experience in public accounting and healthcare finance to her role.

Residing in Lubbock, Eva lives with her husband, Amos, and their cherished schnauzer, Koda. She is actively involved in her local community, participating in her church’s choir and women’s ministry, and as a member of the Junior League of Lubbock.

Eva’s hobbies include traveling, going to the movies, singing, and volunteering with various local organizations.

Carly Spaeth serves as Communications Specialist for National Sorghum Producers, where she develops and manages communications that support sorghum farmers and the organization’s advocacy efforts. In this role, she creates digital and print content, manages social media platforms, and communicates key issues impacting the sorghum industry.

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Carly earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Political Science. Her background in agricultural communications and leadership has equipped her with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities and U.S. agriculture.

Carly is passionate about telling agriculture’s story and connecting producers with the information and resources they need to succeed. Through strategic communications and advocacy, she works to strengthen the voice of sorghum farmers and advance the industry’s priorities at the state, national, and international levels.

Outside of work, Carly serves as president of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization dedicated to ensuring every child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep. She also enjoys cheering on the Red Raiders and spending time with family and friends.