CHS announces the appointment of Sarah Bovim as vice president, government affairs. Bovim brings over 17 years of experience to CHS, leading government affairs and public policy for Whirlpool Corporation and Albertsons Companies, one of the largest U.S. food and drug retailers.

Before working in the private sector, Bovim served as a senior U.S. trade negotiator at the Office of the United States Trade Representative during both Democratic and Republican administrations. She led negotiating teams that shaped international trade policy and provided insights and perspectives to Congress and executive branch officials on how government action affects business. She has also worked as an economist for the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration and the World Bank.

Bovim succeeds Jim Zappa as head of government affairs. Zappa joined CHS in 2015 as general counsel and held various leadership roles within the organization.

“Sarah Bovim brings tremendous experience, strong relationships and deep knowledge managing a broad range of regulatory and legislative issues that will help CHS represent the voice of our farmer and cooperative owners across the U.S.,” says Brandon Smith, executive vice president and general counsel. “I also want to thank Jim Zappa for his tremendous contributions to CHS over his eight years at the company.”