ST. LOUIS (Nov. 01, 2011) - Standing Partnership, a leading marketing and strategic communications firm, recently expanded its agriculture and nutrition staff with new hires manager Christine Luelf and manager Mihaela Grad. The firm also added Kelly Huffman as human resources manager.

Grad joins Standing from Ketchum's Washington, D.C., and Munich, Germany, offices, managing issues and crisis management and brand positioning for biotechnology, agriculture and chemical industry clients. In her previous role, she counseled industry associations such as the Biotechnology Industry Association (BIO) and the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA) in building, promoting and protecting the reputation of their industry and developed issues and crisis management plans. Grad's solid understanding of the biotechnology and crop industries enabled her to effectively support efforts of gaining acceptance among stakeholders. Grad, who is fluent in Romanian, Russian, French and German, serves Standing clients in issues and crisis management.

Luelf brings a strong passion for agriculture and over 15 years of experience in marketing communications and client/constituent relations to Standing. Luelf's work with Standing clients Monsanto and the United Soybean Board builds on her previous assignments for the Monsanto's Corn States and in corporate relations for the American Soybean Association. Her past experience includes implementing biotechnology outreach initiatives, building coalitions and developing and executing customer advocacy strategies.

Huffman most recently has been a human resources consultant to leading small businesses, helping them recruit and retain talent through times of high company growth and change.