Alejandra Castillo is an accomplished global trade executive whose career spans over seventeen years of leadership in agriculture policy, international commerce, and supply chain development. With a career marked by visionary leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural trade, Alejandra has become a respected voice in the intersection of global food systems, logistics, and trade policy. Her professional journey reflects not only her depth of industry expertise but also her passion for empowering organizations and people to thrive in an interconnected global marketplace.
Currently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA), Alejandra leads strategic initiatives that support the export of grains and oilseeds, fostering trade relationships that strengthen global food security. Based in Washington, D.C. she oversees the organization’s commercial education, global advocacy efforts, regulatory engagement, and member relations. Under her leadership, NAEGA continues to expand its role as a global leader in shaping commercial solutions rooted in contractual expertise, commercial knowledge and industry innovation. Alejandra’s approach combines operational efficiency with strategic foresight—ensuring that agricultural trade remains resilient in the face of geopolitical and environmental challenges.
Prior to her tenure at NAEGA, Alejandra held multiple key leadership positions at the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), where she spent more than six years driving global programs and market development efforts. As Director of Global Programs, she guided the Council’s international strategies, strengthening relationships across continents and creating new avenues for trade. Before that, as Regional Director for South Asia, she was instrumental in opening new offices in India and Singapore, expanding the Council’s footprint across Asia, and facilitating trade between U.S. producers and international buyers. Her diplomatic engagement and deep understanding of agricultural markets positioned the organization as a trusted partner in emerging economies across South and Southeast Asia.
Alejandra’s leadership extended beyond her organizational roles. From 2018 to 2023, she chaired the Industry Advisory Group for the ePhyto Solution Project, an international effort under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) aimed at digitizing phytosanitary certificates. Her role in this groundbreaking digitalization initiative underscored her expertise in supply chain modernization and her ability to guide multi-stakeholder collaborations involving governments, international agencies, and private industry leaders.
Her professional foundation was built at Cargill, one of the world’s largest global agribusinesses, where she spent over six years mastering the intricacies of global logistics and trade execution. From coordinating shipments across the Americas to leading letters of credit for Southeast Asia and Latin America, Alejandra developed an unparalleled understanding of the operational complexities that underpin international trade. Her progression from trade execution to leadership roles reflected not only her technical mastery but also her ability to manage multicultural teams, optimize processes, and drive strategic alignment across markets.
Alejandra’s academic background complements her professional expertise. She holds both a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History and a Master of Arts in Strategic Management and Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University. These credentials anchor her leadership philosophy in the belief that strategic vision must always be supported by organizational strength and human development. Her education in organizational leadership continues to inform her management style—one that emphasizes clarity of purpose, empathy, and long-term growth for both institutions and the people who serve them.
Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional sphere. Alejandra has volunteered as a medical translator for community clinics and faith-based organizations, leveraging her fluency in English, Spanish, and Portuguese to support underserved populations. This dedication to community engagement reflects the same values she brings to her global work—bridging divides, fostering understanding, and ensuring that collaboration leads to tangible human outcomes.
Throughout her international career, Alejandra has lived and worked across North America, India, Singapore, and Latin America, providing her with a panoramic view of global agricultural ecosystems. Her ability to navigate cultural and regulatory differences, while maintaining a unified strategic vision, has earned her the trust of government officials, private sector partners, and non-profit leaders alike. Her leadership is defined by an exceptional capacity to synthesize global perspectives into actionable strategies that enhance trade resilience, improve food system efficiency, and promote equitable market access.
Beyond her professional achievements, Alejandra’s philosophy centers on developing organizations from within. She believes that the success of any enterprise lies not just in its strategic direction, but in the growth of the people who make it possible. “I enjoy working with organizations that have a vision to develop the organization itself—but the people that work within it,” she says. This guiding principle has shaped her approach to leadership, mentoring, and organizational transformation throughout her career.
Now, as a senior executive with experience across the private, nonprofit, and governmental sectors, Alejandra is channeling her expertise toward board service. She seeks opportunities where she can contribute her knowledge of international trade, strategy and operations, and digital transformation while continuing to learn from diverse leaders across industries. Having reached a point in her career where she leads with both vision and bandwidth, Alejandra is ready to help guide organizations that aspire to grow with purpose, integrity, and global awareness.
Character:
Alejandra embodies integrity, empathy, and perseverance in every aspect of her leadership. Her career has been built on trust—trust earned through consistent delivery, transparent collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to fairness. She leads with authenticity and cultivates environments where people feel empowered to contribute meaningfully and grow.
Knowledge:
With more than seventeen years of experience spanning trade, logistics, and international relations, Alejandra brings a wealth of specialized expertise to the table. Her mastery of agricultural trade systems and her strategic engagement across continents make her an invaluable contributor to discussions on global commerce. She continuously expands her learning, combining technical insight with real-world adaptability.
Strategic:
Alejandra is a visionary strategist who transforms complexity into opportunity. She has led initiatives that modernize supply chains, digitize trade systems, and strengthen cross-border collaboration. Her ability to connect policy, practice, and purpose allows her to create strategies that drive sustainable impact at both organizational and global levels.
Communication:
Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Alejandra excels in communication across cultures and sectors. She is an articulate advocate for the agricultural trade community and a sought-after speaker on global development topics. Her clear, empathetic, and persuasive communication style ensures that diverse stakeholders move forward with shared understanding and unity of purpose.
