Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council Welcomes Abbey Willard as Director of Outreach and Industry Affairs

Abbey Willard, Director of Outreach and Industry Affairs

Jackson, Tenn., July 14, 2026 - The Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council is pleased to announce that Abbey Willard has joined the team as Director of Outreach and Industry Affairs.

In this role, Willard will assist Executive Director Stefan Maupin and Director of Compliance and Accounts Gina Thompson in managing the day-to-day affairs of the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board and Association and advance the causes and needs of our state's soybean farmers. 

Willard is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she earned her degree in agribusiness with an emphasis in agriculture and environmental law and policy. She was an active member of campus life, having been part of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, the UTM Agribusiness Club, and Delta Tau Alpha, an agricultural honor society. Growing up, Willard was involved in her local 4-H and FFA chapters and comes from a row-crop farming family.

Today, Willard is excited to begin this new chapter with the Council, saying, “Our state's soybean growers are essential to Tennessee's agricultural economy. I am eager to serve as their advocate, help strengthen the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council's presence and influence within the industry, and build partnerships that will allow for the continued success of our growers and associated entities.”

For Stefan Maupin, adding Willard to the team is a perfect fit for this newly created role. “Abbey's educational and personal connection to agriculture will bring a fresh perspective to the Tennessee Soybean conversation, giving us a more well-rounded look at how policies and partnerships affect our state’s soybean farmers of all ages and experience levels. We’re excited to have her on the Council, and look forward to the great work that lies ahead.”