John Hollay named new president and CEO of National Council of Agricultural Employers

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) has selected John Hollay as its next president and chief executive officer, following a national search to replace retiring leader Michael Marsh. Hollay will assume the role on Jan. 1, 2026.

The announcement was made by Joel Anderson, chairman of NCAE’s Executive Committee and owner of Anderson Immigration Law. Anderson said the committee’s search attracted a strong pool of candidates from across the country before unanimously selecting Hollay to lead the organization.

Hollay currently serves as director of government relations for the International Fresh Produce Association, a position he also held with its predecessor organization, United Fresh. Prior to that, he was vice president of government relations with the National Milk Producers Federation and previously worked on Capitol Hill for Rep. Joseph Courtney of Connecticut. He also served on NCAE’s board of directors.

Anderson said the executive committee sought a candidate who could continue the organization’s focus on agricultural labor issues and advocate for the interests of U.S. farmers and ranchers in Washington, D.C.

NCAE Vice Chairman Ryan Ayres, director of human resources for FirstFruits Farms, said Hollay’s experience and communication skills will help advance the organization’s mission of representing the agricultural employer community.

Marsh, who has led NCAE since 2017, guided the organization through years of significant discussion over agricultural labor and immigration reform. During his tenure, the group expanded its presence in Washington and strengthened its advocacy on behalf of agricultural employers.

Hollay, a graduate of the University of Connecticut, brings more than a decade of experience in agricultural policy and government affairs. His work has focused on issues ranging from labor and workforce development to food production and trade.

In accepting the position, Hollay said he looks forward to collaborating with agricultural employers and policymakers to address ongoing challenges in labor and regulatory reform.

The National Council of Agricultural Employers, based in Washington, D.C., represents agricultural employers on labor and employment matters at the federal level. The organization advocates for policies that support the nation’s farm and ranch families and promote a stable agricultural workforce.