President and Chief Executive Officer

Darshana Patel is President and Chief Executive Officer of CNFA, where she leads the organization’s global strategy and operations and its work to strengthen agricultural markets, expand private sector opportunity, and advance sustainable economic growth.

Patel brings more than 25 years of experience spanning agriculture, international development, trade, manufacturing, organizational strategy, and strategic communications. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of business, government and public policy, advising senior executives and organizations on market access, economic competitiveness, organizational growth, and strategic positioning.

Prior to becoming President and CEO, Patel served as CNFA’s Chief Strategy and Communications Officer, leading the organization’s growth strategy, communications, policy engagement and external affairs. Over more than a decade with CNFA, she has played a central role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction and global profile.

Before joining CNFA, Patel founded Latitude Worldwide, a strategic advisory and communications firm serving corporations, associations, nonprofits, and public-sector organizations. Her work has spanned agriculture and agricultural technology, manufacturing, energy, transportation, technology, education, and international development. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at leading Washington, D.C.-based strategic communications and public affairs firms, advising major national and global organizations, and worked with The Times of India, a leading national newspaper, Sony Entertainment Television, and George Mason University. Patel holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Journalism and Economics from MS University in India, along with advanced training in public relations at George Washington University.