OKLAHOMA CITY — Paul Campbell, a 40-year veteran of the flour milling industry, including the last 24 years with ADM Milling, was honored as the 2025 Milling Operative of the Year at the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Conference banquet May 1 in Oklahoma City.

In presenting the award, ADM Milling’s Mike Wiechman said his colleague has “quietly and consistently made an impact on the people and plants under his watch.”

“It has been tremendous watching him grow and interact through the years,” said Wiechman, who will serve as vice president of the IAOM this year. “Whether it is a one-on-one interaction discussing milling topics, directly discussing equipment operation, or dissecting a problem a young miller may be having, his focus is on teaching.”

Established in 1986 by Milling & Baking News, the award is given to the practicing milling operative who has made the most significant contribution to the progress of a plant, a company and the industry from an operations perspective.

“This is quite an honor,” Campbell said. “I love milling. I truly do. You don’t stay in it this long if you don’t.”

Campbell began his career in 1985 as a plant manager for Cargill before becoming North America operations manager for ADM Milling in 2007. Eight years later, he was named the company’s process improvement manager, a position he has held for the past 10 years.

Wiechman said whether it’s troubleshooting on the shop floor, mentoring a new team member or walking through a project, Campbell leads with humility and purpose.

“These interactions earn trust and makes colleagues feel confident, capable and respected,” Wiechman said. “He listens and asks questions to make sure those he works with truly understand the concepts they are discussing.”

Wiechman described Campbell as a miller who is “very focused and results driven and holds himself as well as others to the same high standards.”

“This is truly respected and appreciated,” Wiechman said.

Five other awards were presented during the banquet, which capped off the 129th annual conference and expo, held April 29-May 1.

Keith Horton, vice president of milling for Grain Millers, Inc., was honored with the Thaddeus B. Bownik Award, which recognizes outstanding service to the milling industry and to the IAOM.

Horton, who became an IAOM member in 1989 and served as its president in 2007-08, was moved by the recognition.

“This is an unexpected honor,” Horton said. “I have such a love for this association, its members and the many friends I’ve made in IAOM over the years.”

Scott Roush, director of technical milling at Ardent Mills, received the Arlin B. Ward Commendation for Collaboration in Milling Education. Roush has not only educated young millers at Ardent Mills since joining the company in 2003 but has served as a guest lecturer for milling students in Kansas State University’s Department of Grain Science and Industry.

“The K-State students are the future,” Roush said. “So, learn as you go and enjoy your time here (at the conference).”

The Donald Eber Award for long and dedicated service as an IAOM District secretary-treasurer was presented to Steve Klett, sales representative for Hood Packaging, for his service in the association’s Western District.

Michael Hoar, senior director of quality, safety, and technical services at Riviana Foods Inc., received the George B. Wagner Memorial Award, which honors contributions to sanitation and food protection. 

Kirsty Gordon, mill superintendent at Bay State Milling, was recognized with the Aspiring Miller Award, which is given to millers under 30 years of age for their exemplary performance at their mill.

Concluding the evening, IAOM outgoing President Fran Churchill of KSU, the first female president in the organization’s 129-year history, passed the gavel to incoming President Scott Martin of Ardent Mills.

Martin said Churchill’s impact on the association went well beyond the symbolic significance of being the first woman to lead the IAOM.

“She stepped into the role with clarity, courage and a deep love for this industry,” Martin said. “Her presence brought a fresh perspective, thoughtful guidance and a level of authenticity that has elevated us all. Fran, we’re grateful for the way you showed up — not just as a friend, but as a leader, a mentor, and an example.”

Looking to the future, Martin noted that the IAOM recently introduced two new standing committees — product quality and sustainability — and will continue to expand to new parts of the world, as it is hoping to add an event in India in the near future.

Martin, whose theme for his one-year tenure is “Learn, Lead and Evolve,” said flour millers will need to embrace and adapt to artificial intelligence as part of their operations strategy.

“While AI will undoubtedly play a larger role in our industry, but it will never replace the need for companies to invest in and develop people,” Martin said. “I heard a thought-provoking quote that the Flour City District meeting this past summer: AI won't replace your job, but a person who knows how to use AI might. This speaks to the future.”