The Russell Group is excited to announce that Karla Thieman has joined the firm. Karla’s unique skillset will enable The Russell Group to continue serving clients with the highest level of service in the industry. Karla has served as Chief of Staff for the United States Department of Agriculture since September 2015 after joining the USDA in April 2014 as Chief of Staff to Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden. Prior to her time at USDA, Thieman was Senior Professional Staff at the Senate Agriculture Committee for over five years under three Chairs of the Committee: Senator Tom Harkin, Senator Blanche Lincoln, and Senator Debbie Stabenow. In this position, she handled issues on livestock, dairy, food safety, energy, and climate change.  She also held leading roles on the campaigns of Senators McCaskill, Udall, and Bennet.

Thieman has an extensive agriculture background having grown up on her family’s third-generation farm, where they raised cattle, corn, and soybeans. She has a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri.

“Karla’s vast experience and understanding of how Congress and the Executive Branch work and her knowledge of the issues and key players will be an enormous benefit to our business and the clients we are proud to partner with. We are simply thrilled to have her become a key part of our team,” said firm President, Randy Russell.

Founded in 1985 by prominent members of the food and agriculture policy community, The Russell Group is recognized as Washington’s premier food and agriculture lobbying firm.