WASHINGTON — John W. Bode, who has 30 years of experience as a lawyer/lobbyist in Washington, will take over as president and chief executive officer for the Corn Refiners Association on May 6. Patrick Mohan has served as acting president since Audrae Erickson left the position on Dec. 31, 2012, to join a pediatric nutrition company.

Before entering a private practice, Mr. Bode served on the Senate Agriculture Committee staff and held three presidential appointments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was responsible for about one-half of the U.S.D.A. budget. Mr. Bode testified before Congress more than 70 times and oversaw development of about 90 proposed and final rules.

Mr. Bode received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and a juris doctorate from George Mason University School of Law.

“I am honored to join the Corn Refiners Association to represent this important industry,” Mr. Bode said. “C.R.A. has an outstanding staff. We look forward to making a difference for the corn wet milling industry.”

Member companies in the C.R.A. are Archer Daniels Midland Co.; Cargill; Ingredion, Inc.; Penford Products Co.; Roquette America, Inc.; and Tate & Lyle Americas.

“We are pleased to welcome John to the C.R.A.,” said Matthew Wineinger, chairman of the C.R.A. and president of Tate & Lyle Bulk Ingredients. “He is an accomplished leader with a strong background in the food and agriculture sectors. The C.R.A. just celebrated its 100th anniversary, and John is the ideal person to lead us into our next century and take on the challenges before us.”