Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Zak Miller

Zak Miller

Rigby,Idaho

Summary

Fifth-generation farmer and visionary executive leader with proven success driving organizational growth and building high-performing teams in the agricultural sector. Recognized for strategic foresight, stakeholder engagement, and local, state, and national advocacy. Passionate about empowering agricultural communities through innovative solutions and collaborative leadership.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Vice President & CEO

IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
Pocatello, Idaho
2020 - Current
  • Providing visionary leadership for Idaho's premier agricultural advocacy organization with annual revenue exceeding $7 million and a team of 22 professionals.
  • Strategic Leadership & Organizational Impact:
  • Realigned organizational structure to align with strategic objectives, resulting in improved operational efficiency
  • Spearheaded comprehensive culture transformation focusing on accountability and excellence
  • Developed and executed innovative member engagement strategies, growing active participation
  • Built and maintained critical relationships with elected officials, industry leaders, and advocacy partners to advance agricultural interests
  • Financial & Operational Excellence:
  • Oversee annual budget of $7 M+ with strategic allocation to maximize member value and organizational impact
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making processes that enhanced employee and volunteer engagement by access and use of CRM tools
  • Team Leadership & Development:
  • Instituted a talent development program that identified and cultivated the next generation of agricultural leaders
  • Created a performance management system that aligns individual contributions with organizational goals
  • Communications & External Relations:
  • Serve as chief spokesperson representing agricultural interests to government officials, media, and stakeholders
  • Developed a comprehensive communications strategy aligning organizational messaging across all platforms
  • Developed a culture of accountability through regular performance evaluations, constructive feedback, and rewards for exceptional contributions towards goals.
  • Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, resulting in mutually beneficial business opportunities.
  • Served as a key spokesperson for the organization at industry events and conferences, showcasing thought leadership while fostering strategic connections with potential partners.

Partner & Owner

WHITESANDS ENTERPRISES
01.2014 - Current
  • Managed diversified agricultural operations, including cow-calf, finish feedlot, and crop production.
  • Direct all aspects of a multi-faceted agricultural enterprise, including strategic planning and financial management.
  • Investor and Partner in a Regional beef processing plant
  • Implement innovative production techniques, maximizing yield while maintaining sustainability
  • Oversee human resources, financial operations, and commodity hedging strategies
  • Conducted in-depth financial analysis to guide the farm's investment decisions, maximizing returns.
  • Developed and implemented a strategic plan for entering new markets, substantially increasing brand visibility and market share.

Director of Commodities & Marketing

IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
Pocatello, Idaho
01.2017 - 01.2020
  • Led strategic initiatives across multiple agricultural sectors while managing relationships with 19 agricultural groups, 6 USDA Forest Service and BLM collaboratives, and numerous stakeholder committees.
  • Orchestrated representation in public forums, expertly managing emotional and strategic messaging components.
  • Managed 8 standing committees, 3 ad hoc committees, and 4 American Farm Bureau committee appointments
  • Transformed Farm Bureau Marketing Association operations, achieving consecutive years of profit growth
  • Realigned committee structures to enhance policy development and strategic organizational initiatives
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.

Regional Manager, Upper Snake River Region

IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
01.2014 - 01.2017
  • Provided strategic direction and support for nine county Farm Bureau organizations.
  • Developed volunteer leadership capacity across regional operations
  • Created training programs to align local initiatives with broader organizational objectives
  • Facilitated events and educational programs, enhancing member engagement and advocacy effectiveness

Corporate Account Manager / Territory Nutritionist / Technical Services

CARGILL ANIMAL NUTRITION
01.2006 - 01.2014
  • Progressed through increasingly responsible roles in animal nutrition, technical services, and client relationship management.
  • Developed nutritional solutions for Dairy and Beef producers across multiple territories
  • Conducted retail store training for six western states, enhancing product knowledge and customer service
  • Served as new employee trainer, responsible for onboarding and professional development
  • Managed relationships with multi-location customers while providing data-driven production recommendations

Education

Bachelor of Science - Animal Science, Agriculture Business Management

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-IDAHO, Rexburg, ID
01.2005
GPA: 3.8

Skills

  • Strategic Leadership
  • Organizational Culture
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Budget Development & Management
  • Policy Advocacy
  • Industry Partner
  • Organizational growth
  • Strategic planning and execution
  • Operations management
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Budget forecasting
  • Staff advancement
  • Board relations
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Leadership and people development
  • Mission and vision

Timeline

Director of Commodities & Marketing - IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
01.2017 - 01.2020
Partner & Owner - WHITESANDS ENTERPRISES
01.2014 - Current
Regional Manager, Upper Snake River Region - IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
01.2014 - 01.2017
Corporate Account Manager / Territory Nutritionist / Technical Services - CARGILL ANIMAL NUTRITION
01.2006 - 01.2014
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-IDAHO - Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, Agriculture Business Management
Executive Vice President & CEO - IDAHO FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
2020 - Current
Zak Miller