President and CEO

• Oct 2021 - Present

The National Industrial Hemp Council provides high-quality networking and resources for its members, from the farm to the consumer. Our leadership is composed of leading international, federal, state, private industry, and government professionals throughout the sector. Our goals are to further market development, assist members in entering the industry, and educate the consumer on industrial hemp and its applications. Educating consumers is of paramount importance for NIHC. Customers are the bedrock of this revolution and consumers have the right to be safe. This means truth-in-labeling in this rapidly growing industry. There are a lot of confusing and contradicting claims and assertions. Farmers, manufacturers, retailers, financial institutions, suppliers, transporters, and consumers have the right to fact-based information. NIHC is cutting through the noise with its team and partners to provide its members and the public with this important information.

Board Chair

• Mar 2019 - Oct 2021

President

• Mar 2011 - Oct 2021

Oversee family farm operation. Meet with Board of Directors annually in addition to accountants and legal. Assure positive cash flow of farm operations and meeting local, state, and federal requirements. Oversee and review annual state and federal tax statements. Maintain regular contact with renters to ensure the proper management of the property. Oversee family farm operation. Meet with Board of Directors annually in addition to accountants and legal. Assure positive cash flow of farm operations and meeting local, state, and federal requirements. Oversee and review annual state and federal tax statements. Maintain regular contact with renters to ensure the proper management of the property.

Executive Director NWPCA PAC

• Feb 2019 - Mar 2021

Vice President Advocacy and External Affairs

• Aug 2014 - Jan 2020

Advocacy: Head of government affairs for NWPCA. Lead staff on policy analysis of regulatory and legislative issues. Responsible for obtaining, contracting, and managing outside expert consultants on industry issues. Build and maintain coalitions with associations whose members use wood pallets and containers. Assist members and strengthen their relationships with affiliated industry groups. Represent association positions in front of international, federal and state officials, industry groups, and associations.Communications: Raise and maintain a high profile for NWPCA and the industry with relevant trade press and associations through close working relationships. Use social media and written and verbal communications. Develop contacts and story leads for the PalletCentral magazine and assist with educational programming development (e.g. webinars). Spokesperson for association and industry, testifying before legislatures and speaking to national press including National Public Radio (NPR). Business Development: Provide executive level counsel and work with association CEO and staff in the development of new programs and services.NWPCA is the largest organization of wood packaging professionals in the world with more than 665 company members in 28 countries, who manufacture, repair and distribute wood pallets and wood packaging. 94% of all pallets are wooden, and the $11.5 billion industry makes it possible for almost all products to move domestically and internationally. #palletsmovetheworld

Managing Partner

• Jun 2012 - Jul 2014

NorthStar Policy Navigation LLC (NSPN), is a government relations and association management company based in the Washington, D.C. area. NSPN offers its clients a range of experience, expertise, and networking focused on vital policy areas, and association programs and management. NSPN specializes in multi-specialty consulting partnerships with skills in government affairs, corporate, nonprofit and trade association management. NorthStar provides an array of consulting services to companies and organizations seeking effective representation in and from the D.C. region. As Managing Partner, Atagi was responsible for the financial management and overall direction of the firm. Atagi also retained clients on behalf of NSPN, which included the National Conference of State Legislatures and private industry. Atagi was a founding member of NSPN, which continues to provide clients with excellent management, communication, legislative and regulatory resources. www.northstarpolicy.com

Senior Director

• Oct 2007 - Feb 2011

Primary responsibility for coordinating U.S. input into the World Chlorine Council (WCC) and for managing priority international issues affecting chlorine chemistry. Co-chair of the WCC Global Advocacy Team. Monitors state, federal, and international issues impacting chlorine chemistry. Build and sustain strategic relationships with American Chemistry Council Departments, member companies, regional and global chlorine associations, and government officials at the local, state, federal, and international levels. Members included: Dow, DuPont, PPG, Occidental Chemical, Clorox, and Olin.

Director, Office of Native American Programs

• Oct 2006 - Sep 2007

Director

• May 1999 - Apr 2002

Director, Government Affairs and Trade Policy

• Oct 1997 - May 1999

Manager, Public Affairs

• Feb 1997 - Sep 1997

Legislative Assistant, United States Senator Mark O. Hatfield

• Dec 1991 - Jan 1997

Issue areas covered included; Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Seniors, and Labor. Issue areas covered included; Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Seniors, and Labor.

Peace Corps Volunteer

• Jul 1989 - Oct 1991

Agroforestry Volunteer Agroforestry Volunteer