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Missouri Farm Bureau announces staff changes, Fretwell to retire

Several staff changes will occur at Missouri Farm Bureau (MFB) in the next few days and weeks in its public affairs and legislative departments.

After 31 years with MFB, Estil Fretwell, Director of Public Affairs, will retire in September. In his current position, Fretwell supervises the media relations and information network of MFB. He is also part of the organization’s legislative team. Prior to working for MFB, he served as a state legislator representing Northeast Missouri for 8 years, and for the 4 years preceding, was on staff with the Missouri State Senate. He is married and a sixth-generation owner of the family farm in Lewis County.

“Estil has been a tremendous ambassador for not only our organization but all those who live or work in our state’s rural communities,” MFB President Blake Hurst said. “He has served Missouri Farm Bureau extremely well, and we’ll miss his leadership and expertise. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and integrity. Like the many friends he has made along the way, we wish him the best as he steps out of the spotlight and begins a new chapter in his life.”

Eric Bohl will assume the position of Director of Public Affairs upon Fretwell’s retirement. Bohl was recently employed as MFB’s National Legislative Affairs Director and will assist with the transition of his successor. Bohl was formerly the Chief of Staff for Congressman Jason Smith. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia, is married with 3 children and now resides in Columbia.

Spencer Tuma will become the Director of National Legislative Affairs beginning August 1. She is currently a Field Representative for Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler. Tuma received her undergraduate degree in plant sciences and is pursuing a Master’s in Public Affairs with an emphasis in policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She also served as a legislative intern for Missouri Farm Bureau during the summer of 2015. She is married and resides in Taos.

Jill Fansler, legislative specialist, has accepted new responsibilities which include becoming Director of the Missouri Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The Foundation, created in 1996, provides funding for programs and activities to develop future leaders and educate the public about today’s agriculture. Fansler is married with 3 children and resides on a farm in Hatton.