Wisconsin Ag Connection - McDonald Chosen as New Director of Southern WI Ag Group

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McDonald Chosen as New Director of Southern WI Ag Group
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 04/09/2015

The non-profit group charged with the task of developing a major agriculture education and innovation complex in Dane County has hired a new executive director. Ann McDonald of Dodgeville will take over as the new head of the Southern Wisconsin Agriculture Group, or SWAG. She replaces Nicole (Reese) Barlass, who stepped down recently to move closer to family.

McDonald grew up on a beef, swine and crop farm in Galena, Illinois. She earned an associate's degree in Agribusiness from Highland Community College in Freeport, IL followed by a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics. Most recently, she worked for Beck Ag, Quality Liquid Feeds and BouMatic.

"The SWAG Board of Directors is very excited to have Ann as a part of our team," said John Morning, SWAG board member and hiring committee chairperson. "We feel strongly that Ann is exactly the person we need to move the project forward and provide the energy, expertise and networking needed. Ann's leadership will ensure a successful Capital Campaign and operational Education and Innovation project."

Last month, the SWAG board announced they have signed a collaborative agreement with the Village of Marshall in eastern Dane County to build the project, which will include an agricultural education center, expo and training center, agricultural events facilities and an ag discovery center.

Members of the SWAG board, which was formed in 2010, plan to kick-off their capital fundraising campaign efforts this summer. They hope to break ground next year and have the facility operational by early 2017.

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