The Oklahoma Pork Council is excited to announce the hire of Ashton Mese Johnston as the industry relations manager. Johnston previously served as the press secretary and policy associate for the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General. She started her position on Monday, Sept. 27.

"I am thrilled for this opportunity to join the dynamic team at the Oklahoma Pork Council,” Johnston said. “Despite countless barriers facing the agriculture industry each day, Kylee and the board have created a positive culture to solve problems and serve producers. This is meaningful work, and I look forward to helping however I can.".

Prior to working at the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General, Johnston spent time in Washington, D.C., where she worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture as a professional staff member and legislative assistant, and for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies as a congressional staff member. She started her career at the Office of the Oklahoma Governor in 2012.

Johnston grew up in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. She received her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and agribusiness from Oklahoma State University, where she graduated first in her class. She was also named Outstanding Senior during her time at OSU. She currently resides in Cashion with her husband, Dylan.

“On behalf of the Oklahoma Pork Council Board of Directors and staff, we are excited announce the hire of Ashton Mese Johnston as the Oklahoma Pork Council Industry Relations Manager,” said Kylee Deniz, executive director of the Oklahoma Pork Council. “She brings an unmatched passion for agriculture and a wealth of experience to this position. We are excited to have Ashton join our team as we work to serve Oklahoma’s pork industry.”