Three years of federal farm subsidies.  A complex and aggressive trade war.  COVID-19 and its financial, social, institutional and medical impacts  An impeachment trial.  It's been a busy three years and agriculture has been front-and-center numerous times.  With lunar-like political landscape and pockmarked with both victories and missed opportunities, the upcoming election promises to be pivotal.  State and national elections are just as important as both parties vie for power.  How have the races affected agribusiness so far?  What is in store for agriculture in 2021?  Attendees of this free webinar will be treated to an overview of the elections and the projected impact they will have on state and national agribusiness over the next four years.

Panel Moderator:  Mike O'Brien

Michael R. O'Brien joined 1816 Inc. in 2016 as Executive Vice President.  He has recently just become President in a reorganization of the firm.  Since 2002, he has counseled clients on legislative and executive branch matters and has served as political advisor to Republican candidates and elected officials.  

Prior to joining 1816 Inc,. Mr. O'Brien served as campaign manager for the successful Eric Holcomb for Indiana gubernatorial campaign.  As a contract lobbyist, O'Brien has worked as vice president with Bose Public Affairs Group, senior public policy advisor with Barnes & Thornburg, LLP., and legislative liaison for the Indiana State Medical Association.  O'Brien also served as legislative director for Governor Mitch Daniels.

Previous political experience includes work on the Mitch Daniels for Governor Campaigns in 2004 and 2008 and work as a policy director for Mike Pence during his successful campaign for governor in 2012.  In 2009, Mr. O'Brien was elected chairman of the Hendricks County Republican Party, completing his second full term this past year.  In 2017, O'Brien was elected Republican chairman of Indiana's 4th Congressional District.  O'Brien also serves as the Republican panelist on Indiana Week in Review; the flagship political talk show on WFYI.

Panelist: Patrick Pfingsten 

Patrick Pfingsten is the founder and principal of Pf Communications.  He has spent nearly two decades in communications, journalism, public relations, advocacy, campaign strategy, and marketing for businesses, non-profits, and political candidates.  Patrick previously served Indiana farmers as Public Affairs Manager and lobbyist for the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Growers Association.  A native of Illinois, Patrick grew up on a farm and prides himself on an understanding and interest in agricultural policy.  He also handled agricultural policy and communications for Indianapolis public affairs firm The Corydon Group before launching Pf Communications.

Patrick served as campaign Communications Director for Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis, Press Secretary for the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus, and on the Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Award for Best Reporter in 2010.  Patrick specializes in strategic communications, political campaigns, crisis communications, digital marketing, and social media.  Pf Communications is based in the Indianapolis area, but Patrick's ties in PR marketing, and policy carry all around the Midwest, to Washington, D.C., and beyond.

Panelist:  Pete Seat

Pete Seat serves as vice president of strategic communications at Bose Public Affairs Group.  In hi role, Pete leads client accounts from a variety of industries at the local, state, and national level utilizing his expertise in public relations, strategic planning, media relations, and crisis communications.  
Pete previously served as the executive director of strategic communications and talent development at the Indiana Republican Party where he oversaw the planning and execution of earned, social and digital media, in addition to serving as a spokesperson for the party and governor in state, regional, and national media outlets. 
Pete has worked as the communications director for successful statewide campaigns including Governor Holcomb's 2016 gubernatorial campaign and former Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats' 2010 U.S. Senate campaign.  
From 2006-2009, Pete served President George W. Bush in multiple communication roles including as deputy assistant press secretary where he was a spokesperson for domestic and international issues and advised the press secretary prior to briefings at The White House and aboard Air Force One.  Through his tenure, Pete has published columns in outlets across the country including Politico, CNN.com and MSNBC.com and has appeared as a guest on CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC programs numerous times.
Panelist: Lindsay Haake

Lindsay is a PR and public policy expert with clients throughout the Midwest and DC.  Lindsay is a 5th generation Hoosier, having graduated University of Michigan and graduate studies at Indiana University.  She's worked many campaigns from city council, statehouse, Red-to-Blue congressionals, and gubernatorials runs in additions to countless legislative advocacy initiatives.  Lindsey personally managed more than 6,000 social media interactions in 24 hours that spanned the pendulum swing of love notes to death threats.  She has experience working with media outlets across the globe and has been on the record in the Washington Post, Fox News, the Huffington Post, CNN, and Breitbart.  Lindsay specializes in non-profit advocacy by way of earned media and accepts new clients. 
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