Sixteen-year company veteran Mitt Walker has been tapped to lead the Alabama Farmers Federation Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department. Walker previously served as assistant department director.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to lead this great team and appreciate the strong foundation left behind by our previous director, Brain Hardin,” Walker said. “This department exists to serve the farmer-members of this organization through promotion of their products, providing educational opportunities, being their voice in Washington, D.C. and ultimately doing everything we can to improve their bottom line.”
Walker began his career with the Federation in June 2005, directing the catfish and meat goat and sheep divisions. In November 2011, he became national legislative programs director and resumed Catfish Division responsibilities in 2017. A native of Clarke County, Walker was an environmental scientist for the Alabama Department of Environmental Management before joining the Federation.
As assistant GAP department director since 2019, Walker helped build a strong team of commodity directors and assistants. Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan hailed Walker’s work on behalf of farmers.
“I am confident he will continue to help farmers be more successful through the Federation’s commodity divisions, producer-funded checkoffs, affiliated organizations and representation in Washington, D.C.,” Pinyan said. “We are thankful to have exceptional leaders such as Mitt on the Federation Management Team. They share a passion for serving our members, strengthening agriculture and improving the quality of life for rural Alabamians.”
Walker is a graduate of Troy University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental analysis and management. He currently serves on the university’s National Alumni Association board of directors and is a graduate of the Alfa Leadership Academy. Walker and his wife, Brandi, have three children, Olivia, Addi Leigh and Ford. A native of Jackson, Mitt and his family live in Montgomery.
Walker replaces Brian Hardin, who became External Affairs Department director Dec. 7. Former External Affairs Director Matthew Durdin transitioned to the Organization Department following the retirement of longtime director Mike Tidwell.
