| Shannon Latham is vice president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds and is primarily responsible for its marketing efforts. She has a passion for writing, branding and communicating through social media.
Prior to joining the family business full-time in January 2007, Shannon operated her own communications/public relations business for three years. She also worked for six years as an account executive and public relations specialist for The Meyocks Group. Her most notable projects were the groundbreaking and grand opening of Jorden Creek Town Center in West Des Moines.
Other previous work experience includes serving as an agricultural program coordinator for the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship where she did public relations for the Beginning Farmer Loan Program and coordinated the Iowa Agricultural Youth Institute (IAYI). She also served as director of legislative affairs for the Agribusiness Association of Iowa and coordinated its grassroots lobbying efforts. Shannon earned an MBA from the University of Iowa, as well as a bachelor's degree with a double-major in Ag Journalism and Public Service & Administration in Agriculture from Iowa State University.
Active in professional organizations, Shannon served as the inaugural chair of the American Seed Trade Association's Communications Committee from 2014-2017 and continues to be an active Communications Committee member. She also serves on the advisory council for the Iowa Food & Family Project. In the past, she has served on advisory boards for the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and the Ag Entrepreneurship Initiative at Iowa State University. She has served on the Iowa 4-H Foundation and on the Franklin County 4-H Foundation, as well. Shannon and John live with their two children in Sheffield, Iowa, where she has served as a Girl Scout leader for 11 years and also operates Enchanted Acres Pumpkin Patch. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading and traveling. |