The Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology has welcomed the return of former state Senator Mac Middleton, a farmer and longtime public servant from Charles County, as the Center’s Board President. 

“I resigned from the Board in order to be the caregiver of my wife, who was diagnosed with cancer. Joanie passed almost a year ago, and when asked to return as president of the Harry Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, it was a welcome invitation because of my undying devotion to the agriculture and environmental community,” Middleston said. “The work of the Hughes Center is a platform that brings agriculture and its related businesses, and the environment and conservation groups together to resolve key issues and do strategic planning for the advancement of agriculture.”

Middleton, who was also a very active MACo member, was recruited to the Center’s Board in a leadership position in 2019, but previously served on the Board as a member in the late 2000s. Since returning to the Board, he has served as a staunch advocate for the Hughes Center, leading it through several endeavors and helping to secure funding for several statewide research efforts. During his time in the Senate, Middleton was known to champion agricultural and environmental issues and to find common ground between differing opinions, a core motto of the Hughes Center since its founding in 1999.

“Having former Senator Mac Middleton return to the role of President of the Hughes Center Board is a profound honor. During his Senate service, he was, for a time, the only full-time farmer. He is a tireless champion of agricultural and environmental issues, bringing unmatched experience and insight to the Center. Senator Middleton has long been respected for his ability to bridge divides and help people navigate complex challenges — not just to find agreement, but to create meaningful, lasting solutions,” said Dr. Kate Everts, Hughes Center executive director.