e
Published
9 .Jul.2020

Company Promotions

Over the past couple years, DLF Pickseed has been working on succession planning and development. It is a valuable process to ensure continuity, leadership, and success. As a result of our work and conversations, we have two exciting changes to share.

SEAN CHANEY was promoted to Vice President of the Pro Turf Division.
 
Sean is an Oregon native who has been involved in the Ag community since childhood. His first experience with seed was hands on - working in fields and warehouses as a teenager. Beginning at age 14 and on to his graduation from the University of Oregon, Sean worked  for a local seed producer and marketer. He learned about the seed production process, and was able to bring many of these skills to DLF Pickseed. Sean was hired 6 years ago, beginning as a buyer and a sales representative.  He continued in the buyer role as his sales and brand management duties expanded. As time went on, Sean also added  international sales experience to his resume, something he has been doing for over 3 years now.
 
During this same period Sean started a dual-degree program that resulted in a Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.  In addition to receiving his degree, Sean also worked on and received a Masters in Agricultural Business from Purdue University. This is one impressive accomplishment, all while maintaining his buying and sales responsibilities for DLF Pickseed. We are excited to have been able to support Sean during this time, and are proud of his hard work and accomplishments! 
 
MICHAEL BILLMAN was promoted to Export Director.
 
Mike is also an Oregon native who grew up in the grass seed country. Mike graduated from Oregon State University, a passionate Beaver Baseball fan, who began his agricultural career long before college. His vast experience working on seed farms and other local Ag endeavors has helped him with his success over the years.
 
Mike began his official Seed Industry career at Zajac Performance Seeds in 1996 in operations. Following his operational role, he decided to join CHS as Key Account Manager. Mike's next career move was to join International Seeds as a Domestic and Export Sales Representative for five years.  From this experience as a sales representative, Mike then went into the specialty seed business at S & S Seeds as General Manager for 10 years. He returned to CHS as a Location Manager before joining DLF Pickseed as a Key Account Sales Rep for the Seed Research of Oregon brand. Only a year later, Mike was promoted to a Brand Management role for Seed Research. Over the last 3 years, Mike has continued to show his dedication to DLF Pickseed USA. His role and responsibilities have expanded heavily into the Export business.  With Mike's experience, and knowledge, he is the key employee to take the Export Director position within our reorganization!
 
BILL DUNN will serve as Transition Manager
 
Bill Dunn will manage and facilitate the transition in his new role.  Over the next year, he will work closely with the sales team to ensure an exemplary transition of the key roles and duties within the Pro Turf Division.
 
Please join us in congratulating both Sean and Michael in these well-deserved promotions. They have worked diligently to reach these goals. And thank you, Bill, for your continued dedication and willingness to share your wealth of knowledge.