Mr. Gady graduated from Unity High School in 1961 and enrolled at the University of Illinois. He received a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics in1965. In addition, Mr. Gady received a master's degree from Southern Illinois University in 1967 and his doctorate from Purdue University in 1970, all in agricultural economics. Mr. Gady is the former Vice President of Industry Affairs and Chief Economist for ConAgra Incorporated. Prior to joining ConAgra, he was an economist with Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland for three years. He is currently the Director of Thrivent Mutual Funds. Mr. Gady was a member of the Harvard Business Economists, the Farm Foundation and the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association. He was a past President of the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce and former member of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for trade to USDA, USTR and published a resolution paper while serving on the USDA advisory committee on Global Warming. Mr. Gady's awards include Nebraska Agribusiness Leader of the Year, Omaha Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year and Southern Illinois University Outstanding Agriculture Alumnus award. Mr. Gady's agricultural knowledge and service has impacted agriculture at the local, state and national levels. He and his wife, Nancy, have three children and were former residents of Sadorus. Mr. Gady and his wife have retired to Marco Island, Florida.