Sarah Fiedler Thorn Honored as 2016 Outstanding Alumni by ISU Agricultural Business Club
Members of the Iowa State University Agricultural Business Club selected Sarah Fiedler Thorn to receive their 2016 Outstanding Alumni Award at the annual award banquet March 4.
“The ISU Ag Business Club and its members, both past and present, hold a special place in my heart,” Thorn said. “I am delighted to be chosen as the 2016 Outstanding Alumni by this year’s selection committee.”
Recipients of the Outstanding Ag Business Alum Award at ISU are eligible to receive this award if they have a proven track record of success in their careers over a number of years after graduating.
“Among other things, Sarah Fiedler Thorn has made a significant, positive impact on Iowa and U.S. agriculture through her leadership role in getting policies enacted that have protected the rights of companies and farmers to use biotechnology in seed production. We are proud to recognize her for her accomplishments,” said Ron Deiter, professor and club adviser.
“The ag business curriculum provides foundational knowledge in a variety of disciplines,” Thorn said. “The combination of general business, economics and agricultural science-based classes, gave me the background to adapt in an ever-changing marketplace. The connections I made with fellow ag business graduates has opened doors to opportunities along my career path.”
Thorn received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from Iowa State in 1981. While at ISU she was an active member of the Ag Business club, including serving a term as the club’s president. Thorn said that “leadership roles in college help to prepare students for taking leadership roles in the business world.”
Thorn spent much of her career working for DuPont Pioneer ascending through the company’s government relations group. In 2014, Thorn established Thorn Consulting Group, LLC, a boutique consulting firm designed to meet client needs in understanding and addressing public policy trends. Via TCG, she helps clients interpret policy trends, provides strategic advice and delivers practical assistance in implementing outreach and advocacy projects.