The Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council (ACRPC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Arielle O’Connor as the organization’s new Sales and Marketing Manager. She comes with extensive experience in sales and marketing.

Arielle joins ACRPC with a strong background in agricultural sales, including experience in equipment sales and animal nutrition. Arielle began her career in sales during college working at Hays Trailer Sales of Tucson. Hired as the office administrator, she had no plans to sell but found herself selling a trailer one day, and her career blossomed from there. Her boss and now mentor shaped her found skill into a usable skill that led her to change her degree and life path. Working for Hays Trailer Sales for almost three years gave her the unique opportunity to learn sales and develop relationships with customers. This experience led her to Cargill during her master’s program. Cargill was an eye-opener and showed her the corporate world on an international scale. Following her origin in livestock, going into animal nutrition made sense. Her time at Cargill gave her another aspect of sales that honed her ability to relate, connect, and foster relationships with customers, peers, and industry leaders.

While cotton and crops are a new world for her, she told the Arizona Farm Bureau she was intrigued by the challenge and desire to expand her understanding of Arizona agriculture. "This position for me is the next step, and I like to take on new challenges," said O'Connor.

She developed her passion for agriculture through lifelong involvement in programs such as 4-H and FFA, in addition to hands-on experience working on cattle ranches. Starting in agriculture at a young age developed an appreciation for the industry and a passion that only grew as she grew up. It was during college that she realized her future was somewhere in agriculture, and she couldn’t fathom leaving the industry. Growing up in the cattle industry taught her many things. but mainly taught her a passion for hard work.

Arielle earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arizona and remains deeply dedicated to Arizona and its agricultural industries.

“We're excited to welcome Arielle to the team," said Mark W. Killian, Director of the ACRPC. "Her passion for agriculture and her diverse experience will be key as we continue to grow our programs and serve our agricultural customers in Arizona and throughout the country and internationally."

Said Arizona cotton farmer Paco Ollerton and Council member, "Arielle O'Connor is another example of youth coming out of our agriculture programs to bring a new level of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement. She's willing to face the challenges and make a difference."

Arielle’s appointment marks a key step in ACRPC’s continued investment in supporting Arizona growers and advancing the organization’s biopesticide program.

“I’m excited to join the ACRPC at such a pivotal time,” said O’Connor. “I look forward to meeting our growers and industry drivers and contributing to the continued success of the Council.”