UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Deanna Behring, director of international programs in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has begun a one-year term as president of the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development. She received the gavel from outgoing President Mike McGirr at the group's 50th annual meeting held recently in Washington, D.C.
The Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development is an organization of U.S. and internationally based members who have devoted their careers to global agricultural development and hunger alleviation. Members are development professionals from universities, nongovernmental organizations, private sector firms, consulting companies, government and donor agencies, and foundations.
The association's mission is to stimulate broad-based economic growth and sustainable development, and to improve the quality of life for all people by enhancing global capacities to eliminate poverty, improve food security, and conserve and protect the environment.
Behring has served as director of international programs for the college since 2000. In that role, she provides leadership for the college's international programs in research, teaching and extension.
She works with faculty, staff and administrators to develop and manage international programs; identifies new opportunities for students and faculty; and serves as liaison with federal and international agencies, regional development banks and private foundations that fund research in agriculture, natural resources and environment, and rural and community development.
Behring graduated from Albion College with a bachelor's degree in economics, French and public policy, and received a master's degree in international economic development from Ohio University. Prior to joining Penn State, she held positions in the federal government, including that of assistant director for international affairs in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where she managed a team that provided scientific and technological policy advice and analysis for the president, the vice president and the president's science adviser.