MANHATTAN, KAS. — Rob Berard has joined Heartland Plant Innovations, Inc. (HPI) as chief financial officer. He will oversee financial and human resources for HPI, a plant science research company based in Manhattan.
Mr. Berard most recently was vice-president and c.f.o. at GTM Sportswear. Earlier, he worked at Atipa Corp., Golden Sky Systems, American Century Mutual Funds and Ernst & Young.

“Rob is excellent at helping small businesses grow and thrive,” said Forrest Chumley, president and chief executive officer of HPI. “He will no doubt help HPI do the same. Rob possesses excellent leadership and strategic planning skills. He is a perfect fit for HPI and will help lead our company to a new level of customer service and accountability.”

The farmer-stakeholders of the Kansas Wheat Commission and Kansas Association of Wheat Growers created HPI in 2009. A number of private and public agribusiness companies and individuals are investors in the business, which is intended to boost research and technology for wheat, sorghum and plants native to Kansas.