The Irrigation Association (IA) has hired Amy Schmitz as its new director of communications and content. Schmitz brings more than 20 years of experience leading communications, content strategy and executive communications for complex, mission-driven and technical organizations.
In this new role, Schmitz will lead the IA’s industry storytelling, content strategy and messaging architecture, ensuring irrigation’s value and impact are clearly articulated through authoritative content, publications, executive communications and digital channels. She will also provide strategic oversight for IA publications and help strengthen the association’s role as a credible, unified voice for the irrigation industry.
“We are excited to welcome Amy Schmitz to the Irrigation Association,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin. “Amy’s deep experience in communications strategy, editorial leadership and industry storytelling, combined with her direct background in irrigation, makes her an ideal leader to help elevate the IA’s voice and strengthen how we communicate the value and impact of irrigation. Her expertise will be instrumental as we continue to position the IA as the authoritative voice for our members, stakeholders and the broader industry.”
Schmitz brings a wealth of experience from previous roles, including serving as director of corporate marketing and communications at Rain Bird Corporation, where she led enterprise narrative and content strategy and helped elevate industry positioning around sustainability, water stewardship and innovation. Her experience also includes senior communications and marketing leadership roles with Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, the University of Arizona Eller College of Management, the University of San Diego School of Business, ProLiteracy, CARE and Syracuse University. She holds a master’s degree in Strategic Communications Management from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University.
“The Irrigation Association plays an important role as a unifying voice for the industry, and I’m honored to join the team at such an important time for irrigation,” said Schmitz. “Irrigation is central to sustaining landscapes, agriculture and communities, and there is a tremendous opportunity to tell that story with greater clarity, credibility and impact. I look forward to working with IA members, staff and partners to strengthen the industry’s narrative and advance understanding of irrigation’s value.”