ASTA Adds Cisco and Rietmann to Team, Promotes Crowell and Malapi 

ALEXANDRIA, VA (February 10, 2026) – Last fall, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) announced its role as the leading voice for crop biotechnology advocacy and regulation. Association leadership and staff are now implementing plans to support this expanded portfolio, including the integration of additional resources and expertise. ASTA welcomes Collin Cisco and Benjamin Rietmann to the organization. Cisco will serve as Director, State Government Affairs and Rietmann will serve as Director, International Programs and Policy.  

As Director, State Government Affairs, Cisco will work with the government affairs team to develop and implement strategies that advance the association’s state policy objectives, coordinate member company engagement, and work with state and regional partners to ensure a unified industry voice and action. Cisco joins ASTA from the Illinois Soybean Association, where he leads federal and state advocacy efforts as the organization’s Farm Policy Manager. His first day with ASTA will be February 16. 

In his role as Director, International Programs and Policy, Rietmann will lead on implementing ASTA’s programming across five continents that promote U.S. seed exports and address tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. Rietmann previously served as an International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), where he led efforts to mitigate regulatory barriers to U.S. agricultural exports. Ben started with ASTA on February 9.  

With the team’s expansion also comes two promotions for current staff. Dr. Samuel Crowell has been promoted to Vice President for Science, Trade, and Global Affairs. Dr. Martha Malapi has been promoted to Senior Director, Seed Health and Trade.  

“ASTA is thrilled to welcome Collin and Ben, whose deep expertise in state policy and international trade will strengthen our ability to advocate for the seed industry,” said Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of ASTA. We’re equally proud to recognize Sam and Martha’s outstanding leadership, whose contributions have elevated our global partnerships, seed health initiatives, and international policy priorities. Together, these additions and promotions position ASTA to better serve our members and advance an innovative, resilient future for the American seed industry.” 

In this expanded leadership role, Dr. Crowell will lead ASTA’s strategic engagement across three critical pillars: plant breeding sciences; trade and international seed movement; and ASTA’s global partnerships. This promotion reflects Dr. Crowell’s exceptional work in strengthening international collaboration and supporting ASTA members in navigating an increasingly complex global landscape. As Vice President, Dr. Crowell will continue to work closely with ASTA members and partners to drive domestic and international policy impactful to the U.S. seed industry’s success. 

Dr. Malapi’s well-deserved promotion reflects her ability to navigate complex scientific and regulatory landscapes to deliver results for members.  Dr. Malapi will continue to lead on critical seed health initiatives to advance the organization’s strategic priorities and ensure that ASTA members are well positioned to address emerging challenges and opportunities facing global seed movement. She will bring to the table her deep technical expertise, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to strengthen the U.S. seed industry. 

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