Kyle Liske '09

Global trade and agriculture are incredibly important in Iowa, not only powering a big part of the state economy, but also fueling discussions during the “first-in-the-nation” Iowa caucuses every four years.

Kyle Liske ’09 found the many real-world political and policy opportunities at Simpson a perfect fit for his interests. Kyle grew up in Iowa on a family farm and came to Simpson to study Political Science and Economics, and to get involved as a leader in student government (SGA). By the time Kyle graduated, he had served as student body president and successfully started a biofuel generator program at Simpson that recycles cooking oil into fuel for campus vehicles.

Immediately after Simpson, Kyle earned his J.D. degree from Drake Law School and ran a congressional campaign in Eastern Iowa. A leadership position as Director of Operations for the North American Export Grain Association led Kyle to the nation’s capital, where he still works on issues in agriculture and trade as Director of Policy and Counsel for the Agricultural Retailers Association.

Asked what stood out most about his Simpson education, Kyle credits the college for helping him obtain a well-rounded education and life-changing, practical experiences.

“Simpson enabled me to not only gain valuable knowledge in the classroom; it helped me apply that knowledge in the ‘real world.’ These types of skills and experiences, from working on sustainability to analyzing public policy, have been invaluable throughout my professional career in Washington, D.C.”

Kyle continues to lead and serve the College, even as he fights for the agriculture industry in the nation’s capital. He was appointed to Simpson’s Board of Trustees in 2018.