The Alabama Farmers Federation promoted 14-year organization veteran Mitt Walker to assistant director of the Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department in December. 

Walker will continue to lead the Federation’s national affairs efforts and the Catfish Division, in addition to managing the department’s agricultural programs. He will also help coordinate the policy development process and take the lead on international trade and the farm bill.

“I am so appreciative of the opportunity to continue working on behalf of our members in this new role and am thankful for the confidence the Federation’s leadership has placed in me,” said Walker, 44. “I look forward to assisting Brian Hardin in the day-to-day management of the department, reinvigorating our policy development and implementation programs, and continuing to work with the Catfish Division, all while advocating for farmers at the federal level.”

Walker began his career with the Federation in June 2005 directing the catfish and Meat Goat & Sheep divisions. In November 2011, he became national legislative programs director and resumed Catfish Division responsibilities in 2017.

Federation Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department Director Brian Hardin said Walker’s experience with commodities and policy implementation will benefit members.

“Mitt’s skillset positions him to effectively address farmers’ needs and concerns in the public policy arena,” Hardin said. “He understands how actions in Washington can impact research, promotion and regulation. As assistant department director, Mitt will be in a position to help the Federation strengthen communication, engagement and cooperation across commodities.”

Walker is a native of Clarke County and was an environmental scientist for the Alabama Department of Environmental Management before joining the Federation. He is a graduate of Troy University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental analysis and management and currently serves on the university’s National Alumni Association board of directors.

Mitt and his wife, Brandi, have three children, Olivia, Addi Leigh and Ford. They live in Montgomery.