Santa Cruz, California, USA
November 22, 2010

Following a nationwide search, the Organic Farming Research Foundation Board of Directors unanimously selected OFRF Deputy Director Maureen Wilmot (photo) as the organization's new executive director at its fall board meeting in mid-November.

Wilmot was selected for her strong leadership skills, her commitment to fostering OFRF's positive role in advancing organic agriculture, and her clear vision of the organization's potential for moving forward with new initiatives, said OFRF Board President Deirdre Birmingham.

"Maureen is a multi-talented individual, bringing strong leadership, administrative, and fundraising skills to OFRF. The search committee, the board and the staff unanimously agree that she is the best choice to lead OFRF into its next twenty years advancing organic agriculture," said Birmingham.

Wilmot has held her post as OFRF deputy director since February 2009.

"I am delighted that the board and staff have so enthusiastically endorsed me as the foundation's next executive," said Wilmot.

"During her nearly two years as OFRF's deputy director, Maureen demonstrated extraordinary leadership, efficiently guiding the organization through a strategic planning process, identifying organizational priorities, and fostering a team approach involving the board of directors and the staff. We are thrilled to have her leading our team," said Birmingham.

Wilmot has a strong commitment to OFRF's core mission of funding production and marketing research to give farmers the tools they need to thrive in the growing organic marketplace.

"OFRF is a leader in the organic movement. We serve organic family farmers and work with other stakeholders to advance organic farming. My goal is to amplify that leadership position and help realize our vision of organic as the leading form of agriculture," said Wilmot.

OFRF recently launched three new initiatives aimed at advancing its vision. The organization is reviewing scientific research on the many societal benefits organic agriculture delivers and plans to release results next spring. It is also developing farm bill policy recommendations and supporting research to develop reliable and productive organic seeds and breeds. As OFRF's deputy director, Wilmot led in developing each of these projects.

"Our focus is supporting organic research and giving organic farmers a strong voice in federal policy that will help ensure their success. Our new initiatives will strengthen that effort, and I embrace the challenge," said Wilmot.

Wilmot is a trained biologist with strong professional background in policy development, non-profit management, and community activism. Her professional and personal life is focused on sustainability, with an emphasis on ocean conservation, green building, and organic food. Before coming to OFRF, Wilmot served as the executive director of the Ocean Wilderness Network and the Seatuck Environmental Association, and as a long-time policy analyst with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Wilmot replaces OFRF Executive Director Bob Scowcroft, who plans to retire at the end of the year.
 

Website: http://www.ofrf.org

Published: November 22, 2010