Atchison, KS — Ladd Seaberg, former board chairman, president, and CEO
of MCP Ingredients, Inc., passed away in January following a long illness at the age of 70. Seaberg worked with MGP throughout his entire professional career, rising from distillery production manager to vice president and eventually president of the company in 1980. MCP is now a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits as well as specialty wheat proteins and starches.Seaberg, who retired as chairman of MGP’s board in 2009, began his first term on the board in 1979. Prior to being named chairman in 2006, he served as president of MCP for 26 years and was also chief executive officer for 20 years. During this time, he led numerous progressive developments in the company, including several major expansion projects, facility and technological upgrades, product diversifications, and internal restricting. He was recognized for his leadership in business, industry, and local community affairs.
Seaberg was also a founding member and past president of the International Wheat Gluten Association. In addition, he served as president of the U.S. Wheat Gluten Industry Council for several years, and was a member of the USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Grains, Feeds and Oilseeds, representing the U.S. grain community at World Trade Organization meetings. Seaberg was also a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Water Pollution Control Federation, and the Technical Committee of the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.
In 2014, his family was presented with the Cray-Seaberg Vision of Excellence Award from Atchison’s Santa Fe Depot Board of Trustees, an award established to honor individuals and families who demonstrate exceptionally outstanding community leadership. In 2011, he and his wife were recognized for their extraordinary service to Benedictine College by being awarded with the institution’s highest honor, the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict. Seaberg was also honored by the local chamber of commerce in 2008 when he was inducted into the chamber’s prestigious Hall of Fame for his leadership and community efforts.
Seaberg is survived by his wife, Karen Seaberg, who currently serves as MGP board chair, two daughters and grandchildren
