Monsanto names new director of government affairs

Monsanto announced recently that Kasey Gillette, the senior policy adviser handling agriculture, nutrition and other policy issues in the office of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid since 2009, will join the company as director of government affairs. Gillette will be based out of the Washington, D.C., office.

She accepted the position formerly held by Michael Parrish, who recently moved to St. Louis to accept the role of Monsanto's U.S. corporate engagement lead.

Gillette comes to Monsanto with over 13 years of legislative experience on Capitol Hill. Working in Reid's office, she managed the progression of major legislation including the recent Farm Bill, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act and annual agricultural spending bills.

Before working for Reid, a Nevada Democrat, she served as deputy legislative director for Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, legislative assistant to Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, and senior policy adviser to former Sen. Bob Graham of Florida. She also served as assistant director of public policy for the National Audubon Society between stints in the Senate

Gillette holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of South Florida in Environmental Policy and International Studies. She begins her new job at Monsanto on June 9.