WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 26, 2026) — The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) today announced several staffing changes as the organization continues its mission to serve farmer co-op members.
Justin Darisse has been promoted to Vice President, Strategy and External Affairs, a role in which he will be responsible for aligning NCFC’s external engagement, member-facing activities, and organizational strategy. Darisse will join the newly formed NCFC Leadership Team.
Zach Gihorski has been promoted to Senior Director, Government Affairs. In this capacity, he will continue advancing the federal policy priorities of NCFC members while taking on expanded responsibilities for leading grassroots political engagement with member cooperatives, coordinating NCFC’s political action committee activities, and managing the NCFC intern program.
NCFC also announced that Lisa Van Doren, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Government Affairs, will be departing the organization to pursue other career opportunities.
“I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Justin and Zach on their well-deserved promotions,” said NCFC President and CEO Duane Simpson. “Both have demonstrated exceptional dedication to our members and to the mission of farmer cooperatives, and I am confident they will thrive in their expanded roles. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to Lisa Van Doren for her outstanding leadership, invaluable counsel, and the many successes she achieved on behalf of farmer cooperatives during her tenure at NCFC. She leaves behind a meaningful legacy, and we wish her the very best in her next chapter.”
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