By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) will experience a leadership transition beginning March 16, as long‑time staff member Doan Schmitz steps into the role of interim director. He will serve in this position while the organization conducts a search for a new permanent director.
The current director, Ryan Budnik, who has led ICIA since September 2023, has accepted a new professional opportunity outside the university.
The association plays a significant role in Iowa agriculture. As the official seed certifying agency for the state, ICIA ensures that certification standards are met through careful field inspections and laboratory testing.
The nonprofit has worked closely with Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences since 1950 to test seeds and share valuable research about crop cultivar performance.
Schmitz brings 27 years of ICIA experience to his new role. He earned a farm operation certificate in 1981 and completed a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business in 1990, both from Iowa State University.
As interim director, he will guide ICIA’s staff, support its mission, and help develop policies and programs with the board of directors.
Reflecting on his long service to the organization, Schmitz shared, “It has been both rewarding and a pleasure to work at ICIA over the past 27 years. I look forward to the opportunity to assist ICIA during this transition and to supporting the new director once they are hired.”
Budnik expressed appreciation for his time with the association and confidence in ICIA’s future. He said, “I'm thankful to every grower, board member and colleague who believed in our mission, and even more so in me. Together we've worked to ensure Iowa's producers have access to the highest-quality seed and the most reliable yield performance data in the country. The team we've built is exceptional, the organization is well-positioned, and I have every bit of confidence that ICIA's best days are still ahead, especially under Doan's interim leadership. I’m excited for my new opportunity outside the university and deeply grateful for the professional relationships that will continue to shape my journey for years to come."
Daniel J. Robison, endowed dean’s chair in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, also acknowledged Budnik’s contributions. He stated, “We appreciate Ryan’s outstanding leadership, creativity and many years of service to Iowa State and our college. He was always looking ahead for new ways to advance the mission of ICIA and of the college. As a CALS alum, I know he will continue to be a great ambassador for our college going forward. The operation of ICIA will proceed seamlessly under Doan’s leadership, including for the upcoming planting season. We greatly appreciate Doan stepping up at this time, and his deep experience, to guide the organization forward.”
ICIA Board Chair Will Cornelius will work with Robison, the board, and college leadership to organize the search for the next director.
Cornelius added, "I was able to see first-hand all the wonderful things Ryan did during his time with ICIA. He deserves a lot of credit for how strong ICIA continues to be. While we search for the next strong leader for ICIA, there is no one better to lead the organization than Doan, and I look forward to working with him during the transition.”
This leadership change marks an important moment for ICIA as it continues its mission to support Iowa farmers and ensure high‑quality seed production across the state.
Photo Credit: Doan Schmitz
Categories: Iowa, Education