Team Behind the Bean

Meet the Illinois Soybean Association team. We're committed to helping move Illinois soybeans forward - through research, promotions, and educational programs funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff. Have questions or comments about how we can further the demand for soybeans? Let's connect.

Association Staff

  • Craig Ratajczyk
    Chief Executive Officer
    Focus Areas
    • Organizational leadership
    • Strategic planning
    • Board leadership development
    • Corporate/industry relations
    • Organizational policy development
    • International partnerships
    Phone (309) 808-3607
  • Brian Hansen, CPA
    Chief Financial Officer
    Focus Areas
    • Fiscal management
    • Organizational budgeting and financial guidance and direction
    • Financial compliance review
    • ISB/ISG auditor
    • Financial reporting
    Phone (309) 808-3605
  • Mark Albertson
    Director Strategic Market Development
    Focus Areas
    • International marketing
    • Domestic utilization
    • Livestock development
    • Aquaculture
    • Biodiesel
    • Value-added premium programs
    • Soy Ambassador Program
    Phone (309) 808-3601
  • Mike Levin
    Director Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs
    Focus Areas
    • City, state and federal legislative affairs
    • Public affairs
    • ISG policy development
    • Transportation and infrastructure
    • Issues analysis and management
    • International and domestic market access
    • Membership programs
    Phone (309) 808-3606
  • Linda Kull PhD
    Director Ag Innovations & Tech Transfer
    Focus Areas
    • Soybean composition and HY+Q program
    • Soybean production outreach and technology transfer
    • State, regional and national research coordination
    • Crop advisor engagement
    • Farmer profitability programs
    • Emerging technologies evaluation
    Phone (309) 663-7692
  • Amy Roady
    Director of Communications
    Focus Areas
    • Illinois Field & Bean magazine publisher
    • Influential consumer and non-profit communications
    • Farmer and agribusiness communications
    • International and domestic customer communications
    • Sustainability and nutrient management
    • Media relations
    • Emerging issues communications
    Phone (309) 808-3610
  • Jayma Appleby
    Director Industry Relations
    Focus Areas
    • Industry relations
    • Strategic engagements with key stakeholders
    • Chicago-based meeting facilitator
    • Industry issues monitoring
    • Customer relationship building
    • New business opportunities
    • Coalition support and engagement
    Phone 847-722-9818
  • Dustin Scott, CMP
    Director of Operations
    Focus Areas
    • Compliance officer
    • Corporate secretary
    • Office building/property management
    • New board orientation
    • Board governance
    • Meeting conference and event planning
    • Short Term Educational Opportunities (STEOs)
    • Soy Ambassador Program
    Phone (309) 808-3603
  • Stephen Underwood
    Director Technology
    Focus Areas
    • Systems administration
    • Computer training/support
    • Website development
    • Database development and implementation
    Phone (309) 808-3611
  • Erin Bradshaw
    Controller
    Focus Areas
    • Financial statements
    • Account reconciliation
    • Expense allocations
    • Contract management
    Phone (309) 808-3613
  • Jessica Duitsman
    Staff Accountant
    Focus Areas
    • Accounts payable
    • Accounts receivable
    • Remittances
    • Contracts
    Phone (309) 808-3602
  • Andrew Larson
    Marketing & Membership Program Manager
    Focus Areas
    • Membership programs
    • Marketplace project management
    • Industry and government relations
    • Domestic marketing
    Phone 309-808-3612
  • Rachel Peabody
    Communications Manager
    Focus Areas
    • Media relations
    • Internal communications
    • Social and digital media
    • Advertising
    • Illinois Field & Bean Assistant Editor
    Phone 309-808-3614
  • Stephen Sostaric
    Meeting & Travel Coordinator
    Focus Areas
    • Meeting conference and event planning
    • Travel coordination
    Phone (309) 808-3618
  • Kendra Young
    Staff Accountant
    Focus Areas
    • Accounts payable
    • Accounts receivable
    • Remittances
    Phone 309-808-3614

Looking for more information?

Visit the Board of Directors page to meet our board members or learn more about how Illinois soybeans are grown and used in many products that impact our lives daily or learn more about Illinois soybean farmers and their families by contacting ISA.