Cotton Board Swears in Newly Appointed Members
Malorie Paine
The Cotton Board welcomed its newly appointed members and alternates during a swearing-in ceremony held at the organization’s August board meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. this month.
Producer members and alternates are nominated to represent their state by USDA certified producer organizations. Importer members and alternates are nominated by USDA certified importer organizations. The Secretary of Agriculture reviews the nominees and ultimately appoints new representatives to a three-year term.
Although new members’ terms began Jan. 1, the swearing-in ceremony followed the USDA’s May 22 announcement of the appointments. Newly appointed members will serve three-year terms through Dec. 31, 2028.
New appointments include producer members John Newby of Alabama, Brad Harrison of Oklahoma and Benjamin Grimsley of Georgia. Newly appointed alternate producer members include Shep Morris of Alabama, Adam McLendon of Georgia, Jason Lawles of Oklahoma and Robert Hill of Tennessee. Importer alternates include Jeff Mitch, Samantha Gordon and Yelena Mogelefsky.
The Cotton Board’s members and alternates play an important role in the success of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program by bringing their knowledge, experience and perspective to the Board’s work. Producer and importer representation helps ensure the Program invests in research, promotion and education that reflect the needs of the cotton industry and supports efforts to strengthen demand for US cotton. Members and alternates volunteer their time to help guide the program, requiring spending time away from their operations or using vacation days to attend meetings.
“The Cotton Board is grateful to these industry leaders for their willingness to serve and represent the interests of cotton producers and the broader cotton industry,” said Cotton Board Chair Matt Farmer. “Their experience and perspective will be valuable as we continue the important work of the Cotton Research & Promotion Program.”
The newly appointed members join fellow board members in providing oversight and strategic direction of the Program. Their service comes at an important time for the industry as cotton continues to navigate evolving consumer preferences, global competition and opportunities to expand demand.
In advance of the August meeting, new members and alternates completed an online orientation program, grounding each individual in the history and current work of the Cotton Board and Cotton Incorporated. The Cotton Board looks forward to the contributions of the new members and alternates.
Those interested in serving on The Cotton Board should contact Emily Wyonzek, Vice President of Operations, at [email protected].
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Cotton Board Contact:
Malorie Paine
Communications Manager
About The Cotton Board: The Cotton Research & Promotion Act established the Cotton Board as a quasi-governmental, non-profit entity to serve as the administrator of the Cotton Research & Promotion Program. Funded by America’s cotton producers and importers through the cotton check-off, the Program’s research and promotion activities are conducted worldwide by Cotton Incorporated, the Cotton Board’s sole-source contracting organization, to increase the demand for and improve the market position of cotton. The Cotton Research & Promotion Program continues to work in all areas of cotton’s pipeline – from the field to the consumer – to keep cotton the number one fiber choice in the U.S. For more information about the Cotton Board and the innovative activities stemming from the Program, visit www.cottonboard.org.
