ASSOCIATIONS IN ACTION The Irrigation Association supports the industry


IA announces Natasha Rankin as new CEO


Te Board of Directors for the Irrigation Association, Fair- fax, Virginia, has named Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE, as its new chief executive officer. She assumed her new role on Jan. 10. Rankin brings more than 25 years of experience to the


tors, designers, consultants, contractors and end users. With its mission to promote efficient irri- gation, the IA supports the industry through ad- vocacy by bringing irrigation’s voice to legislative and regulatory discussions and through profes- sional development by offering comprehensive education, training and certification opportuni- ties.


T Each year, the IA hosts the Irrigation Show


and Education Week, the industry’s premier event featuring an exhibit hall showcasing the newest and best products, technologies and ser- vices available. Troughout the show week, the IA also offers its respected lineup of education courses,


certification exams and unmatched


networking opportunities. Te IA also supports workforce development by promoting career opportunities in irrigation, offering education support for faculty and awarding student schol- arships.


Join the IA and reap the numerous benefits of membership while supporting the industry. Connect with us on social media and watch irrigation.org to hear about the latest education opportunities and initiatives, Smart Irrigation Month activities in July and the 2022 Irrigation Show.


Join us on social media!


he Irrigation Association, located in Fair- fax, Virginia, is the leading membership organization for irrigation equipment and system manufacturers, dealers, distribu-


IA, including nine years in chief executive roles. Most re- cently, she served as the chief strategy officer/chief operating officer for the American Counseling Association, where she has helped the organization achieve record levels of member- ship and revenue growth. Previously, while at Bostrom Corpora- tion, Rankin held the position of executive director for the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation and the Greeting Card Association. During her career, she also served as executive director of the General Federa- tion of Women’s Clubs. “After a comprehensive selection process that considered many qualified candidates, the board is


confident that Natasha Rankin is the right person to lead the IA into the future,” says John Newlin, CIC, CIT, CLIA, chair of the CEO Search Committee and incoming IA president. “Her wealth of experience with associations on multiple levels and her track record of success in developing and exe- cuting strategies to achieve growth and sustainability will be huge assets for the IA.” In addition to executive roles, Rankin has extensive experience working with associations, in-


cluding meeting planning, advocacy work, professional development and implementing membership growth strategies. She has also been involved with the American Society of Association Executives, currently serving on the ASAE Foundation Innovation Task Force and on the ASAE Political Action Committee, where she is recognized as an APAC Ambassador. “I am honored to be joining the Irrigation Association. Te opportunity to partner with the IA’s members and staff as stewards of our ecosystem, to advance policy and research, education and training, and workforce development for such a thriving and essential industry, is a thrill,” says Rankin. “Tis life-giving story of efficient irrigation and water management by businesses, farmers, communities — our society — is a responsibility and privilege we will continue to reimagine and work hard to tell.”


New IA & IIC study shows irrigation has sizable economic impact


Te Irrigation Association, Fairfax, Virginia, released its irrigation economic impact study: “Economic Impact of the Irrigation Equipment and Services Industry” Dec. 2. Produced in partnership by the IA and the Irrigation Innovation Consortium, the 2020 economic


impact study focused on determining the economic impact of irrigation manufacturing, distribution, consulting, design, installation and maintenance of irrigation technologies and products in the United States, for both agriculture and landscape. Tis follows up a similar study conducted in 2010 that con- firmed the size and importance of the irrigation industry but contained little analysis about important economic drivers and other value-added aspects related to irrigation. Te economic impact study was officially released during the 2021 Irrigation Show and Education


Week in San Diego. Te full study and the executive summary are available for review online. irrigation.org/economic-impact-study


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Irrigation & Lighting Spring 2022


Photo: Hunter Industries Inc.


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