Doug O'Brien's Post-Election Analysis: The Future for Co-ops

November 7, 2024 This episode features Doug O'Brien, President & CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA). Vernon and Doug delve into election results and the implications for cooperatives. Doug O'Brien is the President & CEO National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) He works with the cooperative community, both domestically and internationally, to deepen their impact and influence. NCBA CLUSA is the primary voice for cooperatives in the United States for using the cooperative business model to empower people in their businesses and communities. Doug has been with NCBA since 2016 and became president and CEO in January 2018. Before coming to NCBA CLUSA, he led the work of the White House Rural Council and served in top positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture focusing on rural economic development. Doug has experience working in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House, and for two state governors. His academic career encompasses teaching and authoring at the University of Arkansas Law School and Drake University Law School. Raised on a diverse farm in Dubuque County, Iowa, O'Brien earned degrees from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, the University of Iowa Law School, and a Master's in Agricultural and Food Law from the University of Arkansas.