USA: OFRF Board names new executive director

Following a nationwide search in the USA, the Organic Farming Research Foundation Board of Directors unanimously selected OFRF Deputy Director Maureen Wilmot as the organization's new executive director at its fall board meeting. Ms 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. "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 Ms Birmingham. (Picture by OFRF: Maureen Wilmot)
 

OFRF has recently launched important 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, Ms Wilmot led in developing each of these projects.

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

Founded in 1990, the Organic Farming Research Foundation is celebrating 20 years of advancing organic agriculture. OFRF sponsors organic farming research and education projects and disseminates the results to organic farmers and others interested in adopting organic production systems. The foundation also informs the public and policymakers about organic farming issues. The majority of OFRF’s board members are organic farmers. More information is available here