Ellen Levinson Joins the USDBC to Direct Programs in the Americas & Emerging Worldwide Markets

For Immediate Release

November 11, 2016
Portland, Oregon

The U.S Dry Bean Council (USDBC) announces the hiring of Ellen Levinson as the new
International Representative for the Americas and Emerging Global Markets. In this
capacity, Ellen will direct and lead program development in the CAFTA/DR, Mercosur,
Caribbean and worldwide emerging markets. In addition to Emerging Markets in the
Americas, this will include supervision of ongoing programs in India, overseeing
competitor analysis in China, and collaboration on both humanitarian and commercial sales
to Africa. USDBC Mexico remains under its current leadership. USDBC Executive Director
Rebecca Bratter noted,

“I am thrilled to now count Ellen’s depth and scope of experience along with her unique agricultural business development and policy skills as an asset to the USDBC. We have ambitious goals in 2017 and I’m looking forward to Ellen’s contributions to increase global consumption of U.S. dry beans.”

Ellen brings to USDBC over 30 years of experience envisioning, developing, and directing
transformative programs, policies, and partnerships for businesses, NGOs, universities,
trade associations, and governments. She is highly skilled in market analysis, multi-sector
partnerships, initiation of new business models, team-building and interactions with
federal agencies, foreign governments, multilateral organizations, and the private sector.
Her work has taken her to several dozen countries, including multiple visits to assess
markets, potential partners and conditions and to develop, negotiate and implement
project plans. She frequently serves as the spokesperson for clients with high‐level officials,
local communities and businesses and organizations in the U.S. and around the world.
Joe Cramer, Chair of USDBC’s International Promotions Committee (IPC) noted, “We are
very much looking forward to Ellen’s direction in these dynamic regions of the world
where we have seen new market openings in the last year.” Ellen replaces Randy
Duckworth who will depart at the end of 2016.

For additional information contact Rebecca Bratter at Rebecca@.
The U.S. Dry Bean Council is the national global export development arm of the U.S. dry
bean industry, representing the dealers, growers, and corporates with the exclusive aim of
increasing the consumption of U.S. dry beans worldwide.