American Royal chooses Lynn Parman to lead its efforts

The American Royal has a new president and chief executive officer, Lynn Parman, whose 19 years of experience includes economic development, promotion of the animal health industry and nonprofit leadership.

The Royal board announced her appointment Thursday to succeed Bob Petersen, who is retiring after holding the posts since 2011.

Parman most recently has been associate director of community and workforce affairs for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, which the Royal said is the largest company in the KC Animal Health Corridor. Parman directed the team that launched the KC Animal Health Corridor brand and served six years as vice president of bioscience development for the Kansas City Area Development Council.

Parman also was vice president for economic development at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and business development at the St. Joseph chamber.

John Mitchell, chairman of the American Royal, in the release announcing her appointment, said the Kansas City-based organization that celebrates and supports the area’s agricultural roots was pleased to gain Parman’s leadership and noted that she would be the Royal’s first female president and CEO.

“I’m excited to lead the American Royal into the next chapter,” Parman said. “The American Royal has a long history supporting and building youth agriculture education through prominent national events and programs.”

Parman has a degree in public administration from Missouri State University.

This story was originally published November 12, 2015 at 12:52 PM with the headline "American Royal chooses Lynn Parman to lead its efforts."