Chris Novak is the president and chief executive officer of CropLife America (CLA). Established in 1933, CLA represents the developers, manufacturers, formulators, and distributors of plant science solutions for agriculture and pest management in the United States. CLA’s member companies produce, sell, and distribute virtually all the vital and necessary pesticide and biotechnology products used by American farmers. Chris joined CLA in August 2018. Prior to joining CLA, he was the chief executive officer of the National Corn Growers Association, a grower-led trade association with offices in St. Louis and Washington. He joined that organization in October 2014. His career started on Capitol Hill and included work for several farm organizations and agribusinesses in areas such as farm policy, environmental services, trade, science communication, and biotechnology.

Chris, who grew up on a row crop and livestock farm in eastern Iowa, has earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, a law degree from the University of Iowa and a Master of Business Administration from Purdue University.