Brian Hardin has been named director of the Alabama Farmers Federation Department of Governmental Affairs. He previously served as assistant director of the Department of Governmental and Agricultural Programs.

Hardin will oversee state public policy issues and political activities for the Federation. Federation President Jimmy Parnell said Hardin’s farm background and experience as a commodity director and state lobbyist make him an effective advocate for the organization’s members.

“Brian has earned the respect and appreciation of Alabama’s elected officials,” Parnell said. “His reputation, integrity and work ethic will serve our organization well as we put together a team to ensure success in the 2014 elections.”

A native of Moulton, Hardin joined the Federation staff in 2000 as director of the organization’s Pork, Horticulture, and Greenhouse, Nursery and Sod divisions. He was later named director of agricultural legislation before being promoted to assistant department director.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our members in this new role,” Hardin said. “The strength of the Federation is with its members. It is their relationships and contact with elected officials that have the greatest impact. I look forward to working with them as we prepare for the 2014 elections to elect and re-elect state legislators who stand up for agriculture and rural Alabama.”

Hardin is a graduate of Auburn University with a master’s degree in horticulture. Prior to working for the Federation, he was employed by Dow AgroSciences in Bradenton, Fla. He lives in Wetumpka with his wife, Kelli, daughter Emma (13) and sons Judd (11) and Jake (3). Kelli is a science teacher at Alabama Christian Academy. The family attends Vaughn Park Church of Christ in Montgomery.