Emily Thornburg has been hired as the director of communications for the Nebraska Corn Board.

Thornburg will work on behalf of Nebraska corn farmers to expand marketing opportunities through communications, industry partnerships, program coordination, education and promotion, says Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board.

She will coordinate numerous corn promotion and education activities throughout the year, and she will manage Nebraska Corn Board's social media along with various other communication outlets.

Emily Thornburg Hired as Nebraska Corn Board's Director of Communications

"We are excited to welcome Emily to the Corn Board team," says Brunkhorst. "Emily has proven to be a committed leader and advocate for Nebraska corn farmers, and is well qualified to lead communication and outreach efforts. With prior experience at Nebraska Corn Growers Association, in addition to a strong background in Nebraska agriculture, Emily has a thorough understanding of the industry and will be a great addition to our staff."

Thornburg, who previously served as program director for the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.

She grew up on her family farm near Geneva and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor's degree in agricultural business and marketing. Upon graduation, she worked in marketing at ConAgra Mills. In the fall of 2013, Emily joined the Nebraska Corn team as the program director for the growers association.

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to work on behalf of Nebraska's 23,000 corn farmers," Thornburg says. "I look forward to working closely with the board's and staff as well as the industry partners to communicate the important story of Nebraska's corn industry."