Billi J. Hunt has recently been working full time as government affairs manager at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, attending Drake University, building a house and becoming a wife and stepmother. Her work toward a masters degree in public administration should be completed next August. She says she doesn’t know what she’ll do with all the free time.

“I never thought learning could be so much fun,” Hunt said. She’s learning about public policy, marketing, and the inner workings of not-for-profit organizations and government agencies. That can only help her at Pioneer, where she monitors state and government legislation that affects the company. She then develops strategies and messages for Pioneer, working with agriculture and commodities organizations that lobby for biotech-friendly legislation in individual states.

Hunt came to work for the company through a joint venture between Pioneer and E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Optimum Quality Grains L.L.C., in March 1998. When DuPont acquired Pioneer, she had the advantage of already having experienced the cultures of both companies.

“I got to interact with a big company like DuPont, but it had the feeling of Pioneer, a nice, home-grown business that believes in its people,” Hunt said. “I’m fortunate to work for a company that believes in and wants to grow its employees.”

Hunt grew up in Diagonal, a town of 300, and attended Iowa State University, where she earned a bachelor of science degree. After graduation, she forged strong business ties while working for the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

Now Hunt is relishing her position at Pioneer. She must constantly keep up to date with the mercurial changes in the biotechnology industry and the ways the public and government officials respond.

“You just never know what issues will arise,” she said. “There’s a bit of uncertainty that makes the job fun.”

Although having a succeeding in her professional life is important to Hunt, it is not enough. He must also have time for her new family and community activities, including her work as co-chair of Iowans for a Better Future.

“I think I’ll be happy in five or 10 years if I can say I have a solid professional life, a solid personal life, and am still active in my community,” she said.