Christopher Henney, CAE

President and CEO

Chris Henney joined the Ohio AgriBusiness Association in May 2011 as the president and chief executive officer. In his role, Chris directs the vision, mission and strategy of the membership-based organization, advocating for Ohio agribusiness by creating a sustainable business climate through collaborative policy leadership, continuous education and effective communication.

Prior to joining OABA, Chris held several successive positions at the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, culminating as the director of legislative relations. In that capacity, he represented the organization before the Ohio General Assembly, as well as agencies and departments of state government. 

In addition to leading OABA, Chris serves the industry through various boards and organizations. He currently serves on the Vice President’s Advisory Council for The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and the 1890 Land Grant Advisory Council at Central State University. He is the immediate past chair of the Ohio Society of Association Executives board of directors, serves on the Ohio Agricultural Council executive committee and the Asmark Institute Board of Directors.

In 2008, Chris was appointed by then-governor Ted Strickland, to the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodore for his work on rural broadband. He has also received the OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences’ Distinguished Alumni Award.

Chris holds a Master of Business Administration from Capital University and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from The Ohio State University. He also holds the designation of Certified Association Executive. He and his wife Beth reside in Columbus, Ohio with their two boys, Aidan and Patrick.