Paul Lyons of South Charleston has been named vice president of membership for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. As a member of Executive Vice President Adam Sharp’s cabinet, Lyons will be responsible for developing and leading comprehensive membership strategies; managing services that are essential to members; overseeing field operations, membership sales efforts and health benefits programs; and managing regional supervisors and the field team.  

Lyons joined the Ohio Farm Bureau staff in 1994 as an organization director serving four counties in northwest Ohio. In 1999 he became a regional supervisor responsible for organization directors in multiple counties. In 2016 he became senior director of membership. Prior to his Farm Bureau career he worked as a veterinary technician, farm store assistant manager and lawn service territory manager.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Ohio State University and an associate’s degree from Columbus State Community College in applied science in animal health. He is a member of the South Charleston United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee, finance chair and as a member of the choir. He was involved with Southeastern Athletic Boosters and served as president of the South Charleston Community Club and as a trustee for the South Charleston Community Park. He and his wife, Diane, are the parents of one son.   

Lyons’ new role is a part of Sharp’s actions to realign staff teams and departments around key strategic plan areas of advocacy, membership, communications, financial strength, strategic partnerships and organizational excellence. The process began shortly after Sharp was named OFBF executive vice president in 2016.

Ohio Farm Bureau is the state’s largest and most inclusive farm and food membership organization. Its mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely, 614-246-8230.

Editors: high resolution photo of Mr. Lyons is available to accompany this story.

Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
Suggested Tags: