ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) announced on July 7, 2026, that Evan Dean will be joining the organization as its new vice president of government and legislative affairs, with his start date set for July 13. In this position, Dean will take the lead on NGFA’s federal advocacy work and push forward the association’s policy goals on behalf of the grain, feed, processing, and export industries.
Dean comes to NGFA from the office of U.S. Representative Mike Flood (R-Neb.), where he held the position of legislative director. In that capacity, he guided Congressman Flood on legislative strategy and policy questions, managing a wide-ranging portfolio that included agriculture, trade, energy, transportation, and telecommunications. He also oversaw the congressman’s legislative team and built working relationships with congressional offices, federal agencies, industry groups, and agricultural organizations.
His familiarity with the grain and feed industry was developed in part through his work on behalf of Nebraska’s First Congressional District. According to NGFA’s Harvest Economy report, the industry supports more than 15,000 jobs and generates nearly $5.5 billion in economic activity across that district.
NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert spoke highly of the new hire. “Evan Dean brings valuable Capitol Hill experience and a strong understanding of the policy issues that matter most to NGFA members,” Seyfert said. “Having represented a district where our industry has a significant economic impact, Evan understands firsthand the important role grain and feed businesses play in local economies and throughout the agricultural supply chain. His work on agriculture, trade, renewable fuels, and appropriations issues, combined with his ability to build relationships across government and industry, will strengthen NGFA’s advocacy efforts as we continue advancing policies that support the grain, feed, and processing industry.”
Before becoming legislative director, Dean worked as a legislative assistant in Congressman Flood’s office, where he handled agriculture, trade, appropriations, energy, telecommunications, and natural resources policy. During that time, he helped move sustainable aviation fuel initiatives forward, secured federal backing for agricultural research, and engaged broadly with agricultural stakeholders throughout Nebraska. He also worked on local transportation priorities, focusing on improving access and reducing barriers to moving goods across the country — an area of significant concern for NGFA members.
Earlier in his career, Dean served as a legislative correspondent for Congressman Greg Pence (R-Ind.) and also worked in the office of Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
Dean holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy leadership from the University of Mississippi, where he graduated magna cum laude.
