Tune in to WOL 1450 AM, 95.9 FM, and WOL Livestream on Thursday, January 18 at 10:30 am EST for Everything Co-op, hosted by Vernon Oakes. This week, Vernon interviews Doug O’Brien, president and CEO of NCBA CLUSA. Vernon and Doug will discuss the association’s 2024 initiatives.
Doug O’Brien works with the cooperative community domestically and internationally to deepen their impact and influence. NCBA CLUSA is the primary voice for cooperatives in the United States that use the cooperative business model to empower people in their businesses and communities.
Doug has been with NCBA CLUSA since 2016 and became president and CEO in January 2018. Before coming to NCBA CLUSA, Doug led the work of the White House Rural Council. He served in top positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, focusing on rural economic development.
Doug has also worked in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House and for two Governors O’Brien’s experience in academia includes teaching and writing at the University of Arkansas Law School and Drake University Law School. O’Brien was raised on a diversified farm in Dubuque County, Iowa, and holds degrees from Loras College (Dubuque, Iowa), the University of Iowa Law School, and the University of Arkansas Masters in Agricultural and Food Law Program.