DES MOINES, Iowa – Kellan Longenecker, General Mills Inc.’s global supply chain learning and development lead, has been elected as the 2025 chair of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Board of Directors.
Ms. Longenecker brings more than two decades of manufacturing and supply chain experience to the role, along with a strong focus on talent development, culture, and workforce engagement, ABI said in a news release Tuesday, July 22.
As chair, she will guide the ABI Board in advancing key business priorities, building strategic partnerships, and supporting Iowa’s pro-growth business climate.
Ms. Longenecker was elected in June during ABI’s annual Taking Care of Business Conference in June in Council Bluffs. She succeeds Chad Reece, the vice president of government and industry relations at Winnebago Industries in Forest City, who led the board through the 2024-2025 term.
“ABI has long played a critical role in helping Iowa businesses grow and lead,” Ms. Longenecker said in the release. “It’s an honor to serve as chair and to work alongside leaders who care deeply about our state’s economic future. I look forward to contributing to ABI’s efforts in meaningful ways.”
Ms. Longenecker’s General Mills career spans plant operations, leadership development, and human resources. Most recently, she has had a focus on global diversity and inclusion strategy within the company’s supply chain.
Based at the company’s Avon Plant in Carlisle, she supports efforts to build strong, inclusive teams across General Mills facilities nationwide while being a vocal advocate for Iowa manufacturing and workforce development. She previously served as the company’s plant manager in Avon.
In 2021, Ms. Longenecker received one of ABI’s Legends in Manufacturing Awards.
A champion for elevating the next generation of industry leaders, Ms. Longenecker has served as a mentor, board member, and Elevate Advanced Manufacturing Ambassador. Her passion for manufacturing is rooted in hands-on problem-solving, innovation, and building products that people rely on every day.
“Manufacturing is an industry where people and technology come together to solve problems and create products that improve lives,” she said in a previous ABI Women in Manufacturing feature. “There’s nothing more energizing than being part of that process and working with the people who make it all happen.”
ABI President Nicole Crain welcomed her to the new role. “Kellan brings a thoughtful, steady approach to leadership that reflects the best of Iowa industry,” Ms. Crain said in the release. “Her experience and perspective will serve our members well as she helps guide ABI’s priorities in the year ahead.”
Founded in 1903, ABIs mission is to provide a strong, unified voice to business and industry on issues affecting Iowa employers. ABI’s member companies represent all industries and sizes across Iowa’s 99 counties. ABI members collectively employ more than 330,000 Iowans.
