SSGA welcomes new communications manager

Career changes are almost always challenging, but making a move in the midst of a global pandemic has been particularly interesting for the new communications manager for the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA).

Shane Frederick joined the SSGA team in late April, coming to the organization after a 25-year journalism career.

“A hockey coach I covered liked to use the phrase, ‘Thrown into the deep end of the pool – with ankle weights,’ when talking about his team’s new players,” Frederick said. “There have been times when I’ve felt that way, especially having to work from home to start this new position. But I’m learning a lot; there’s been something new every day.”

Frederick comes to SSGA from The Free Press in Mankato, Minn., where, for 20 seasons, he reported on college hockey for the newspaper, winning several state and regional awards for his coverage. He was also the newspaper’s sports editor for the last year.

The opportunity to shift careers came at the right time for Frederick and his family.

“The sports world came to a halt with COVID-19, but the ag and transportation worlds don’t stop,” Frederick said. “There are important things happening at SSGA and in I.P., and I’m excited about the opportunity to tell those stories.”

As things begin to open up again, Frederick is looking forward to being able to travel, to get out and visit SSGA members, learn about what they’re doing and listen to their concerns. For now, electronic visits are working just fine.

“SSGA is a young organization that is still finding its voice as it grows,” he said. “Communication is vital to that growth.”

Eric Wenberg, SSGA executive director, says Frederick’s journalism experience will serve the organization well as it continues navigating the challenges and opportunities brought forth during a pandemic. Recently, SSGA debuted its I.P.-ODCAST featuring a discussion with Frederick and Wenberg.

“We’re very excited to welcome Shane to the SSGA team,” Wenberg said. “He brings a unique skill set and experience to our organization, and we’re looking forward to Shane helping to shape our communications messaging via our various media platforms.”

Frederick is a native of Chippewa Falls, Wis., and a graduate of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He’s also worked for newspapers in Virginia, Minn., and Minneapolis and has been a freelance writer of several children’s books and articles for various companies and publications around Minnesota. He also teaches as an adjunct instructor in the mass media department at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Frederick and his wife, Sara, live in Mankato with their three children.