NCBA Announces New PLC and Federal Lands Manager

Washington, D.C. (November 27, 2002) – Ben Higgins, director of Public Affairs for the California Cattlemen’s Association and lead staffer for the California Public Lands Council, has accepted the position of manager of the Public Lands Council (PLC) and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Federal Lands Committee, NCBA’s Center for Government Affairs announced today. 

In his new capacity, Higgins will serve as editor for membership and state affiliate communications, and coordinate collective affiliate actions on industry priorities.  He will work with NCBA and PLC membership, industry communications, and media relations to ensure coordination on all press releases and other media contacts, and coordinate PLC and NCBA Federal Lands resolution processes.  He will also monitor legislative action on issues important to federal lands ranchers. 

“Ben brings significant experience in federal lands issues to the position,” says NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Chandler Keys.  “We are very fortunate to have Ben, and Jeff Eisenberg, our new Public Lands Council executive director, leading our PLC and Federal Lands efforts.”

“Ben has been a very knowledgeable part of the California Cattlemen’s team,” says Mike Byrne, a PLC director and California cattle rancher. “His work with the California Natural Resource Conservation Service Technical Committee, Range Management Advisory Committee, Range 2000 Working Group, and his experience with the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service make him a perfect candidate for this position, and we are excited about his move to Washington.”

Higgins has an Agribusiness degree from California Polytechnic University, and is an experienced cattleman, growing up on a ranch outside San Luis Obispo.  He will begin working at the NCBA/PLC Washington office on January 2. 

###