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Plant Based Products Council Welcomes Griggs-Bell as Manager of Government Relations
Feb. 25, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) today announced that Gunnar Griggs-Bell has joined the organization as Manager of Government Relations. In this role, Griggs-Bell will support the development and execution of strategic advocacy initiatives to advance federal policy priorities for stakeholders across the value chain, including companies manufacturing and using plant-based products such as bioplastics, renewable chemicals, packaging, and compostable foodservice ware.
“Gunnar brings an exceptional background in agricultural policy that will be instrumental as we continue to elevate the voice of the plant-based products industry on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies,” said James Glueck, Executive Director of the Plant Based Products Council. “His skills and experience in production agriculture will help advance PBPC’s mission to promote plant-based products that benefit consumers, farmers, and the economy.”
Griggs-Bell will work collaboratively with PBPC leadership and its policy and communications teams to promote policies that strengthen the American ag bioeconomy, encourage innovation, and expand market opportunities for plant-based products. He will also coordinate closely with the Corn Refiners Association (CRA), which administers PBPC, to ensure aligned and effective advocacy efforts.
“I am excited to join the Plant Based Products Council and help advance policies that support innovation across the bioeconomy,” said Griggs-Bell. “I look forward to working with our members and policymakers to promote a strong federal framework that encourages investment, expands market opportunities, and reinforces American leadership in plant-based products.”
Bell previously served as a Graduate Assistant in the Dean’s Office at Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and has completed internships with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications and Political Science from Texas Tech University and is pursuing a Master of Public Service and Administration at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
Barbee, Beck Assume New Titles
PBPC is also pleased to announce new titles to better reflect the responsibilities of Keniece Barbee and Danielle Beck.
Barbee is now PBPC’s Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she ensures operational efficiency and promotes exceptional service to PBPC’s Board of Directors and its growing list of members throughout the ag bioeconomy. Barbee has been with PBPC since its inception in 2019 and was most recently the organization’s Director of Board and Member Services.
Beck is now PBPC’s Vice President of External Affairs. This new title better reflects her broader focus on PBPC’s government affairs, communications, and strategic positioning with external stakeholders to promote a cohesive vision to advance PBPC priorities. Beck joined PBPC in 2025 as Vice President of Government Relations.
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About the Plant Based Products Council
The Plant Based Products Council is an association of like-minded organizations that are advocating for a shift toward a more circular bioeconomy through greater adoption of renewable, plant-based materials supported by appropriate end-of-life infrastructure. We educate stakeholders and advocate for programs and policies that will support the growth of the plant-based products industry, helping to harness its economic potential to deliver a more sustainable future. Learn more at www.pbpc.com.