Suzanne Ryan-Numrich is deeply rooted in agriculture and shapes her commitment to supporting and growing the state’s largest industry: agriculture. In her role as Director, she leads initiatives that aim to retain and expand Kansas farms, ranches, agribusinesses, and rural communities, while also raising awareness and appreciation for agriculture.

Suzanne earned a B.S. degree in Animal Science and an M.S. degree in Meat Science from Kansas State University, followed by an MBA from William Woods University. After graduating, Suzanne gained valuable experience working with the U.S. Meat Export Federation in Mexico City, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service in Beijing, and Smithfield Foods in Missouri.

For the past 10 years, Suzanne served as KDA’s International Trade Director, where she played a key role in international market development, working directly with several trade organizations and agencies. She organized trade missions promoting Kansas agriculture in more than 30 countries. Suzanne also serves on the USDA Technical Advisory Committee for Animals and Animal Products, advising the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representatives on agricultural trade issues.

Suzanne, her husband, and twin daughters live in Manhattan, Kansas, and remain actively involved in their families’ farming and ranching operations in Western Kansas.