AEM Senior Vice President of Industry Sectors & Product Leadership Curt Blades joined the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) in 2017, having worked in agriculture industry in marketing, business development, and leadership roles for the previous twenty years.

As Senior Vice President of Industry Sectors & Product Leadership, Blades is responsible for the strategic direction of agriculture and construction programs and services for AEM members. In addition, he oversees the organization's Safety & Product Leadership group —including leading AEM’s sustainability efforts. In these roles, he serves as primary liaison with ag-specific industry organizations, customer groups, and government agencies worldwide. 

Blades actively serves on boards of directors for the National FFA Organization, National Agri-Marketing Association Foundation, and Agriculture Council of America.

Blades grew up on his family’s multi-generational farm in Shelbina, Missouri where he developed a passion for serving the agriculture industry. He brings both high-level and on-the-ground perspective to agricultural issues and is a proud alumnus of the University of Missouri.