Krysta Harden

Georgia Roots, Global Impact: A Journey Working with People, Industry and Nations on Challenges to Nourishing the World

Biography

Krysta Harden is the president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). With a knack for agriculture and a heart for sustainability, she's on a mission to boost American dairy exports and advocate for sustainable practices in the industry.

Harden took the helm at the USDEC in February 2021, becoming the organization’s first female chief executive. Prior to this role, she was the chief operating officer of USDEC and the executive vice president of global environmental strategy at Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), where she played a pivotal role in launching the Net Zero Initiative, an industry-wide effort to help U.S. dairy farms implement new technologies and adopt economically viable practices. The initiative aims to achieve carbon neutrality, optimized water usage and improved water quality by 2050.

Harden's extensive career includes notable positions such as chief sustainability officer at Corteva and DuPont, seven years as deputy secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and CEO of the National Association of Conservation Districts. Her consistent focus has been on promoting agriculture policy and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on opportunities for women, young people and underrepresented groups, returning veterans and retirees, among others. Harden earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband.