SU College of Ag Alumna Allison Thomas Appointed Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Dairy Export Council
Baton Rouge, La. – Southern University College of Agriculture alumna Allison Thomas has been named the U.S. Dairy Export Council’s (USDEC) Chief Operating Officer (COO). The announcement was made on August 11, 2025 by the USDEC and will become effective on August 25, 2025.
In her role as COO, Thomas will report directly to USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden and serve as her strategic thought partner, oversee USDEC’s senior leadership team, and spearhead initiatives to accelerate growth, enhance operational performance, and drive innovation across the organization.
“I am honored to join USDEC to leverage my global affairs experience on behalf of USDEC member companies and the entire U.S. dairy industry,” expressed Thomas. "I look forward to bolstering opportunities that expand the global footprint for U.S. dairy while pursuing operational excellence,” she added.
Prior to joining USDEC, the Winnsboro, LA native had a 26-year career with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). She most recently served as the Deputy Administrator for Trade Policy and Geographic Affairs at the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). In that role, Thomas led a team of 120 staff members, including 10 senior leaders, in the implementation and execution of FAS’ trade policy goals and objectives which included addressing market access and trade barriers, monitoring and enforcing trade agreements, and trade wins on behalf of U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Thomas also worked closely with the National Security Council, U.S. Trade Representative, State Department, and other government agencies, as well as foreign counterparts, in safeguarding U.S. agricultural interests and at the U.S. embassies in Canada, Kenya and Afghanistan representing U.S. agricultural interests.
Allison credits the Southern University College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences’ (CAHES) Beginning Agricultural Youth Opportunities Unlimited (BAYOU) Program with influencing her decision to major in agricultural economics. She participated in the program while in high school and was introduced to the opportunities available in agriculture.
She would go on to secure a summer internship and ultimately worked her way through the ranks becoming a member of the Senior Executive Service, the highest rank attained in government.
Allison offers this advice to students who are interested in following her career path.
“Students should take heed to the insight, knowledge and wisdom gained at Southern University,” said Thomas. “Not only did SU prepare me for graduate school, but also for the real world. I learned how to negotiate, think critically, and problem solve based upon my experiences and exceptional professors in the Ag. Econ Department.”
Thomas earned a B.S. and M.S. in agricultural economics from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, respectively. She also studied abroad at Scotland’s Rural College in Aberdeen Scotland. She is also a board member of Women Empowering Nations, an international nonprofit organization that provides leadership and development opportunities to underserved young women throughout the world.
Click here to read USDEC’s announcement.
