Darryl Blakey: Finishing What He Starts

Name: Darryl Blakey

Preferred Pronouns: He/His

Hometown & Current Town: Philadelphia, PA/Washington, D.C.

Graduation Year: BS 2015

Major & Minor: BS Animal Science, Minor in Agricultural Business Management

Additional Degrees & Institutions: MBA, Johns Hopkins University; Ph.D. Tuskegee University (in progress)

Current Professional Title: Senior Manager, Government Affairs

Name of Employer: BASF Corporation

Brief Description of Your Role: When I joined the firm in 2024, I was originally brought on to lead the portfolio for our Agricultural Solutions business unit and to handle Intellectual Property issues here in Washington, D.C., including developing and implementing our engagement strategy with Congress, the administration, and key stakeholders. I've since transitioned into a Senior Manager role, with responsibility for corporate tax issues, the bioeconomy, and Digital AI policy across all operating divisions at BASF. This role now affords me the opportunity to work with executives across the globe and learn about the many policies that impact the firm.

Why did you choose Penn State?

I always knew about Penn State. It was a relationship I had with the College of Ag Sciences from high school. I went to the W.B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences in Philadelphia. As an active member of FFA and 4-H, I had many opportunities to come to Penn State, whether for livestock judging competitions or other engagements.

I went to Tuskegee University first, but I ended up taking a semester off and coming home. I knew I wanted to continue my education, and Penn State was top of mind. I knew the importance of agriculture for the Commonwealth and the University. Knowing it was a really good school made it easy to call Penn State home.

Can you talk about your experience at the Penn State Berks campus?

I did a 2 + 2. The Berks campus was awesome and allowed me to learn about Penn State's Commonwealth campus system. I was involved in many clubs and organizations during my time at Berks. One of the most memorable included serving as President of the Student Government Association and being active within the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG).

What inspired you to pursue your degree?

I loved the agricultural industry and showing livestock in FFA and 4-H. I honestly wanted to be a farmer. I still hope to own a small hobby farm and have some land one day. It's tough because it's hard to pursue that aspiration and also live in the city, but I still have that as part of my future if the lord wills it.

My focus in college was animal science and specifically beef management. I really fell in love with the cattle industry and its importance in the U.S. and abroad. I saw the impact of federal and state standards on the industry and how those processes affect the global landscape. That's when I got to see the policy conversation merge with the advocacy space.

Can you talk about your career path and interest in government affairs?

It all started with Dr. Dan Kniffen's class in advanced beef management. We went to Washington, D.C. and visited the National Cattlemen's Beef Association office. I learned that I could come to the nation's capital to work right away if I found an opportunity. I thought I'd have to work at the state level first, but the trip was an eye-opener for me.

As I engaged with people at Penn State, many encouraged me to pursue opportunities. I tried to learn about the available opportunities, and in that class I saw the internship with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. I applied and was the first Penn Stater to get that opportunity. I really took hold of that and ran towards every opportunity the leadership there would let me get involved in. Near the end of my internship, I took advice from the Senior Vice President, who is now the CEO and who remains a mentor to me. He encouraged me to use my talents and to work on the Hill.

I then had the opportunity to work on the House Committee on Agriculture for the chairman at the time, Conaway of Texas. That's where I started engaging directly in policy, had the opportunity to work on issues within the Farm Bill, and became a legislative staffer.

Coming to Washington, D.C., showed me that others from every part of the country were seeking the same type of career path. That was really encouraging to me. I realized that I had made it there; I was engaged, willing to do the work, and would find the right opportunities for professional development.

What clubs and organizations were you involved in?

While at University Park, I was an Ag Advocate, the Vice President of CCSG, and the President of the MANRRS chapter.

What is a favorite Penn State memory?

Last year, I had the chance to take my two children to a Penn State football game. It was my daughter's first time going to a game. The opportunity to have both of my kids there, see the college and University, have ice cream, and have the whole experience was really great. Hopefully, as they get older and are looking at colleges, they'll consider Penn State.

How has your Penn State education influenced your career or life?

It has definitely influenced my ability to work hard and collaborate, given the diversity of people at Penn State. One has to be able to connect with people and understand that everyone has unique experiences and backgrounds that influence their way of thinking. You may have to take on a challenging or daunting project and figure out how to work through it. I think the University offered me many opportunities to work on projects like that, engage with my classmates, and get involved in a variety of activities through clubs.

Student government was a pathway that taught me to show up and speak up. As a student learning how to speak to power, I spoke to everyone, from the Board of Trustees to the University President and even to government officials in Harrisburg, about the importance of supporting Penn State. Having those opportunities early in my education gave me the comfort to go in and now speak to members of Congress, governors, and others.

What are one or two of your proudest accomplishments in which your Penn State education played a role?

Finishing my education is probably the thing I'm most proud of. The reason is not simply for Darryl; I strive to set a solid example for my children and, hopefully, other members of my family to finish what you start. As we know, many people take time off from school and never manage to go back. The fact that I went back and finished my degree hopefully is a real testament to others. As my son has gotten older, he has seen so many others who make excuses for not doing something. He can see that you have to do what you want to do and set a standard for yourself.

Aside from working on some very cool things in the private sector, the second would be having the opportunity to work on the 2018 Farm Bill and negotiate legislative text that became law. It was a critical opportunity for me to work on a bill from beginning to end. Everything from the negotiations in the House to those with our counterparts in the Senate, and then to have it elevated from there. It was a really rewarding opportunity to work on that at such an early stage of my career.

You are a member of the Dean's Leadership Council. What does it mean to you to be involved in the college in this way?

It's a massive honor to be included in that list of distinguished members. I reflect on the opportunity I have within the council and work to provide input that adds value the dean and his leadership team can incorporate into the vision they have set out for the college. The dean's establishment of this council has been very informative for us, both as external stakeholders and as individuals who truly care about the University and the College of Ag. We have the opportunity to give the dean feedback and guidance, and he has been amazing.

I was in Dean Ott's animal science class as a student. I always joke with him that he was one of the toughest classes I had. I felt like I had really earned my degree by making it through his course. I believe that he has taken that same passion to his leadership role as dean. He is willing to talk, learn, and engage with everybody. He's a tremendous leader.

It's been professionally and personally rewarding to be part of the council and to learn from very distinct leaders from many different industries. I want to continue to add value. We all have our own unique journeys. I add value not only through my professional experience, but also by attending a Commonwealth campus, my inner-city background, and my love of agriculture. Everyone is there for a reason to add their particular insights and values for the success of the College of Ag.

What has been the best advice you've ever received?

When I started at a company a few years ago, my vice president knew I was a diligent worker and wanted to provide value. I'm always thinking, "What do I need to read? Who do I need to talk to? Where do I need to go?" He appreciated that. But he also showed me the value of slowing things down.

As you slow things down, you can take a step back and see the bigger picture. From there, you're able to see so much more: what pieces aren't fitting, who is working on what, how things are fitting into a strategy. It's important to be quick, but it's also important to slow things down and really look at the broader vision and strategy.

What collegiate advice or professional development tip would you give to a current student?

Engage with every development opportunity you can find. Even the ones you may not think add value I'd encourage students to do it. Go to the dinners, drive down to Harrisburg for the Farm Show and D.C. to engage with stakeholders. Whatever it is, do it. All of those things are unique opportunities that your Penn State education provides that you can't necessarily find just anywhere else.

Why are you proud to be a Penn State Ag Sciences alum?

I always go back to the history of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State and how it started as The Farmers High School. I love talking to people about our history and sharing the significance of our ag science research, our industry's economic impact in the Commonwealth, and the other major institutions we’re involved with.

Because my work brings me into close collaboration with government at every level, and because Penn State is so close to Washington, D.C., I see tremendous opportunities for the college to engage strategically with key leaders, including Chairman G.T. Thompson of the House Agriculture Committee. Alongside the University's and college's many other priorities, I am excited to see the team elevating the issues and policies that matter across the commonwealth and around the globe.