The Irrigation Association Board of Directors has named Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE, as its new chief executive officer. She will assume her new role on Jan. 10, 2022, and will attend the 2021 Irrigation Show and Education Week in San Diego on Dec. 7 and 8.
Rankin brings more than 25 years of experience to the IA, including nine years in chief executive roles. Most recently, she served as the chief strategy officer/chief operating officer for the American Counseling Association, where she has helped the organization achieve record levels of membership and revenue growth. Previously, while at Bostrom Corporation, Rankin held the position of executive director for the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation and the Greeting Card Association. During her career, she also served as executive director of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.
“After a comprehensive selection process that considered many qualified candidates, the board is confident that Natasha Rankin is the right person to lead the IA into the future,” said John Newlin, CIC, CIT, CLIA, chair of the CEO Search Committee and incoming IA president. “Her wealth of experience with associations on multiple levels and her track record of success in developing and executing strategies to achieve growth and sustainability will be huge assets for the IA.”
In addition to executive roles, Rankin has extensive experience working with associations, including meeting planning, advocacy work, professional development and implementing membership growth strategies. She has also been involved with the American Society of Association Executives, currently serving on the ASAE Foundation Innovation Task Force and on the ASAE Political Action Committee, where she is recognized as an APAC Ambassador.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting Natasha, and I am excited to welcome her to the IA and help her hit the ground running,” said Deborah Hamlin, CAE, FASAE, current IA CEO. “I look forward to officially introducing her to the industry during the 2021 Irrigation Show in San Diego.”
“I am honored to be joining the Irrigation Association. The opportunity to partner with the IA’s members and staff as stewards of our ecosystem, to advance policy and research, education and training, and workforce development for such a thriving and essential industry, is a thrill,” said Rankin. “This life-giving story of efficient irrigation and water management by businesses, farmers, communities — our society — is a responsibility and privilege we will continue to reimagine and work hard to tell.”
