NLNAC BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Marsha H. Purcell, CAE
Biographical Sketch

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Marsha Purcell is Director of Program Development for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) based in Washington, DC. In that role, she directs member-focused programs on rural health and safety, women in leadership, and agricultural promotion and education. She has been responsible for AFBF national health care conferences where issues affecting accessibility and affordability of health care in rural areas have been addressed. Prior to her current position, she served as Managing Director of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. She has also held positions as director of women’s programs for the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation and as an extension specialist for the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.
Purcell holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Kentucky and she has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives.

In addition to her position at the AFBF, she serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the National Farm-City Council, and she has several volunteer positions in her community. She received a Centennial Laureate Award from the School of Human Environmental Sciences at the University of Kentucky 2007, and she has also received the Management Executive Award from the Association Forum of Chicagoland.