ARLINGTON, VA – Two new team members have recently joined USA Rice: Mollie Buckler as senior director of Grower and International Relations, and Caroline Slack as Communications and Content manager.
A native of Sikeston, Missouri, Mollie earned a B.A. in Classical Studies and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Missouri. She spent a decade in higher education fundraising and alumni relations before returning home to the Missouri Bootheel in 2021 to join the Missouri Rice Council and the U.S. Rice Producers Association (USRPA). Bringing a background in communications, relationship building, and legislative affairs, she quickly found a calling in agriculture and was later named president and CEO of USRPA, where she led advocacy, communications, and trade strategy on behalf of U.S. rice producers.
With rice producers on both sides of her family, Mollie is dedicated to advocating for farmers and strengthening the future of the rice industry. In her new role, she will continue to serve as staff liaison for the Missouri Rice Council and lead the USA Rice promotional strategy in Asia.
Mollie and her husband, Zach, live in Sikeston with their two boys, Harris ("Hap") and Merritt. When not working or chasing toddlers, she enjoys reading, needlepointing, and cheering on the Mizzou Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mollie to the team at such a pivotal time and as an ingrained part of the Missouri rice community,” said USA Rice President & CEO Peter Bachmann. “We are looking forward to seamlessly folding her into USA Rice and utilizing her leadership and organizational management skills to continue benefiting the U.S. rice industry.”
Before joining USA Rice, Caroline was a freelance writer, creating articles, blog posts, and museum exhibits on topics ranging from medical research to developments in AI technology. She is passionate about producing content that translates complex topics to broader audiences.
Prior to starting her freelance practice, she spent four years in Boston as a writer and editor in the financial services industry, first at Tiger Capital Group and then at GfK Boutique Research (now NielsenIQ).
A Virginia native raised in Connecticut, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Vermont. As a college student, Caroline had the opportunity to report on community issues for local and statewide papers, sparking a lifelong interest in environmental issues, food systems, and sustainability.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, and drawing. She is an avid home cook whose go-to staple food is jasmine white rice.
“Caroline brings a strong background in journalism and exposure to agriculture and sustainability through her time in Vermont,” said Bachmann. “She is well equipped to support all of USA Rice’s communications platforms and help to grow our footprint among American and international consumers of U.S. rice.”