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.

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.

Michelle Howard brings over 20 years of experience in administration, operations, event planning, and human resources to her professional endeavors. Originally from Southern California, she now resides in Lubbock, Texas, where she enjoys a fulfilling family life with her husband and daughter. In addition to her career, Michelle is passionate about giving back to the community, volunteering at local animal rescues and her church. In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, wine tasting, and spending time with family and friends.

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.

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.

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.

Alli Gonzales, the new administrative coordinator, brings a wealth of finance and administrative experience to NSP. With 18 years of experience in finance and administration, Alli’s proficiency in managing operations and numbers is invaluable. Having grown up in the Central Coast of California surrounded by farming and agriculture, Alli has a deep-rooted connection to the industry through her family’s involvement in the fruit and vegetable sector. Alli’s dedication to giving back is evident through her volunteer work at food banks and shelters. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading and taking care of her beloved yorkie.

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.

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.

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.