Speakers

Jim Abbott, born without a right hand, became one of baseball’s most inspiring figures. Overcoming significant challenges, he developed exceptional athletic skills, leading to a standout collegiate career at the University of Michigan, where he earned prestigious accolades, including the Sullivan Award and a gold medal at the 1988 Olympics. Drafted by the California Angels, Abbott made history as one of the few players to debut directly in the majors, defying skeptics at every stage. 

Abbott’s career reached its pinnacle in 1993 with the New York Yankees when he pitched a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. Known for his innovative technique, he fielded with a glove on his right arm and seamlessly transitioned to throw. Beyond his achievements on the field, Abbott has inspired countless individuals as a motivational speaker and advocate for children with disabilities, proving that perseverance and ingenuity can overcome any obstacle. 

Michael Swanson is an agricultural economist for Wells Fargo. Based in Minneapolis, his responsibilities include analyzing the impact of energy on agriculture and strategic analysis for key agricultural commodities and livestock sectors. His focus includes the systems analysis of consumer food demand and its linkage to agribusiness. Additionally, he helps develop credit and risk strategies for Wells Fargo’s customers, and performs macroeconomic and international analysis on agricultural production and agribusiness.

Michael joined Wells Fargo in 2000 as a senior economist. He received his undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Economics from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. He received his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota.

Prior to working at Wells Fargo, he worked for four years at Land O’ Lakes, a large national dairy cooperative based in Minnesota. Before working in the dairy processing business, Michael lived in South America for four years working for Cargill. His first position was with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad as transportation systems analyst.

Michele Murray leads the Food Agriculture and Ingredient Practice for Ketchum, which specializes in providing communications guidance and strategic counsel for companies and organizations within the food supply chain. A farmer’s daughter from Minnesota, Michele Murray has deep roots connected to agriculture. She is passionate about improving access to healthy food, creating community through food and strengthening the food system by building a deeper awareness of where your food comes from.  

Michele has more than 25 years of experience leading strategic communications in food and agriculture. She directed Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. integrated marketing communications for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association for 12 years. She also led communications for Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation and LiveWell Colorado, a public health NGO focused on addressing food insecurity and health equity.   

Michele has earned several PRSA Silver Anvils, National Agri-Marketing Awards, the International Association for Business Communicators Gold Quill Award, PRWeek Crisis/Issues Management Campaign of the Year and Creativity in Public Relations Award. She is a former board member for a non-profit food access organization, GoFarm, and leads a summer series of Food Truck Nights in her neighborhood.