CropLife America elects FMC executive Darren Dillenbeck as its new Board Chair

On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, during the CLA and RISE Joint Annual Meeting held in San Diego, CA, CropLife America (CLA), the national association representing the manufacturers, distributors, and formulators of organic and non-organic pesticides, elected Darren Dillenbeck, president, FMC North America, as its new chair of the CLA Board of Directors. Mr. Dillenbeck will hold the position for two years and utilize his strong leadership skills to help guide the association. He succeeds Andy Lee, president and CEO of Valent North America, who chaired the Board from 2022 – 2024. Mr. Dillenbeck previously served on the association’s Executive Committee as a Vice Chair. 

″We are so pleased to welcome Darren Dillenbeck as the new Chair of our Board. Mr. Dillenbeck’s deep commitment to CLA members and the agricultural community will be invaluable as we continue important work on our most pressing issues,″ said Alexandra Dunn, CropLife America president and CEO. ″I have every confidence that he will lead the Board and CLA with vision and purpose, helping ensure that we remain steadfast in our dedication to advancing the interests of our members and supporting the long-term success of the agriculture community.″

Dunn continued, ″I would also like to thank Andy Lee, president and CEO of Valent North America. a for his guidance over the last two years. Under Mr. Lee’s leadership, we have made positive steps forward in addressing the pressing need for timely pesticide registrations, advancing strategies for protecting endangered species, and working with our many agricultural allies to develop and implement climate-smart agricultural solutions. I am grateful for his vision and support.″ Mr. Lee was recognized for his exceptional tenure during the meeting and will continue as an association officer as Immediate Past Chair and Chair of the Nominating Committee.

″I’m honored to be elected as the new chair of the CLA Board of Directors,″ said Dillenbeck. ″Our work as an industry has never been more critical. With the CLA members and staff, we will ensure our collective voice is heard on its own and alongside the voices of American farmers, whose livelihoods depend on having the necessary tools to succeed in an ever-evolving, increasingly challenging, global economy. By focusing our resources and energy, we can help guide the industry through these challenging times.″  

Mr. Dillenbeck joined FMC in 2018, leading the company’s Canadian business until being named president of FMC North America in 2022. He has more than 25 years of experience in the agricultural industry.