Meet Nebraska Corn BOARD STAFF
If you’d like to reach a specific staff member, please call our office at 402-471-2676.
Kelly Brunkhorst
Executive Director
Kelly Brunkhorst
His primary responsibilities include administering of the checkoff on corn marketed in the state. Director of all staff and management functions. Responsible for carrying out the decisions of a nine-member board. Assists in the development of committees to address issues of research, market development, communications and government affairs. Provides a basis of accurate information for the Board to use in decision-making in areas of foreign market development, domestic market demand, research, education and information sharing.
Rachael Whitehair
Director of Innovation & Stewardship
Rachael Whitehair
Her primary responsibilities include managing projects and priorities focused on efficient crop production innovation, new use research and development, and stewardship initiatives that support the board’s strategic vision. She oversees the board’s research funding program and seeks to advance the board’s sustainability and stewardship initiatives, including identifying and developing opportunities to collaborate with key partners.
Jill Bookhout
Director of Communications
Jill Bookhout
Jill’s primary responsibilities include leading state communication efforts in branding consistency, working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, strategic communications and developing communications campaigns. She organizes and manages promotions and outreach efforts at in-person events throughout the state including Husker Harvest Days, women in agriculture events, FFA State Convention and various other events state and nationwide. She is the contact for media inquiries from local, national and international journalists regarding Nebraska’s corn industry.
Payton Schaneman
Director of Market Development
Payton Schaneman
Primary responsibilities include coordinating all facets of market development projects to increase demand for Nebraska corn and value-added products, partnering with state, national and international organizations. He works to grow the need for ethanol both in-state and domestically. He coordinates educational and promotional activities of corn and value-added corn products such as red meat, dairy, poultry and livestock expansion.