The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is governed by a Board of Directors that is primarily elected by OTA’s trade membership. OTA’s three standing Board committees correspond to the broad governance functions that cut across all association operations. Together, the Board’s Executive, Community Relations, and Executive committees determine the full Board agenda.

Get to Know Your Board Governance Committee

The role of the Governance Committee is to recruit, welcome and orient new OTA Board members, evaluate the Board election process, recommend the officer slate, review Board and association policies and bylaws, develop and implement the Board self-assessment system, and develop Board training sessions. OTA’s Governance Committee is chaired by Kelly Shea (WhiteWave Foods), and its members include Leslie Zuck (Pennsylvania Certified Organic), Perry Clutts (Pleasantview Farm), Jesse Laflamme (Pete and Gerry’s Organics), and Kim Dietz (J.M. Smucker Company).

“If you have ever contemplated a run for a seat on the Organic Trade Association Board of Directors, 2017 may be the year to put your thoughts into action. Three veteran Board members—Tony Bedard of Frontier Co-op, Sarah Bird of Bhakti Inc., and Melody Meyer of UNFI—this year will be completing the maximum allowed three terms for at-large elected members. In addition, two appointed seats will be up for consideration once again. Consequently, we’ll be looking for new leaders to step up. Do you have the commitment and vision to guide the future direction of our trade association? Or do you know someone else who does? Please let me know if you’d like to chat about the nominations process.”  

—  Kelly Shea, Chair, OTA Board Governance Committee (Contact info@ota.com)