OSI Group LLC announced that former U.S. Senator Michael O. Johanns has been elected to its board of directors, effective February 18. A previous U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and governor of Nebraska, Johanns recently completed his first term in the U.S. Senate.

“Mike brings a wealth of experience in public service and expertise in agriculture, banking, commerce, trade and law – which will be great assets to OSI,” said Sheldon Lavin, OSI chairman and chief executive officer. “We are pleased that Mike has agreed to join the OSI board.” 

“It is an honor to be selected to serve on the board of the OSI Group, an organization that has long been recognized for its strong heritage of food safety, quality assurance and innovation,” said Johanns.  

Johanns served as governor of Nebraska from 1999 to 2005 and as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 2005 until 2007. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008 and announced in 2013 that he would not seek a second term after more than three decades in public life.

A graduate of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and Creighton University School of Law, Johanns served as chairman of the Midwest Governors Association in 2002. Before he was elected governor, Johanns served on the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners; the Lincoln City Council; and as mayor of Lincoln for two terms. He practiced law previously.

Source: OSI Group LLC