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New CEO Announced

12/12/2019

Oregon Wheat Growers League and Oregon Wheat Commission Announce New CEO

Contact: Tana Simpson, (503) 467-2161

The Oregon Wheat Commission (OWC) and Oregon Wheat Growers League (OWGL) are pleased to announce the selection of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to provide continuing leadership, vision, focus, and unity to their organizations. The process of selecting the new CEO has been rigorous starting with a 30-day application period. Once applications were received a screening committee consisting of members from both OWC and OWGL boards reviewed and ranked applicants. The top four applicants were offered interviews in Portland with a selection committee consisting of representatives from both boards and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Following interviews, the top candidates were recommended to move forward and begin negotiations.

The OWC and OWGL boards are pleased to announce Amanda Hoey of The Dalles, Oregon will serve as the next Chief Executive Officer of the organizations. “The OWC and OWGL representatives were equally impressed with Amanda’s qualifications and interview, she was very well spoken and has a great deal of experience to take on the role. I have complete confidence she will serve the organizations well,” current CEO, Blake Rowe stated.

Amanda has over a decade of executive leadership experience and a close connection to the Oregon Wheat industry, growing up on a dryland wheat farm in Wasco County. Amanda has served as the Executive Director for Mid-Columbia Economic Development District since 2008, managing the bi-state regional organization, serving five counties in both Oregon and Washington. She has also served on the National Association of Development Organizations Board of Directors where advocacy for federal resource support and policy changes within USDA was a high priority.

Working within her capacity she has made valuable investments in her career and takes pride in returning to her roots and investing in rural economies. Amanda recognizes an opportunity to further expand the investment into the area most important to her: “I am excited about the opportunity to step up to a role that strengthens the wheat industry and wheat growers. From enhancing resources for ag research to addressing policy challenges that would otherwise hinder farm profitability/viability, the work of Oregon Wheat is critical to ensuring vibrant rural communities”.

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The Oregon Wheat Commission was established in 1947 and was among the first producer-funded commodity commissions in the United States. Today the OWC is a statutorily authorized special-purpose state agency with a mission to improve the profitability of Oregon wheat growers through research, non-branded marketing, and education programs. The OWC funds wheat breeding and production research, market development, and industry and public outreach. More information about the OWC may be found at https://www.owgl.org/owc.

The Oregon Wheat Growers League is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1926 in Moro, Oregon.The OWGL is a vigorous, grass-roots organization dedicated to providing public and grower education on the economic importance of the wheat industry and a unifying voice at the local, state and national level on the public policy issues affecting Oregon wheat producers.The OWGL is a voluntary member-supported trade organization with both wheat producers and related industry members. More detailed information about the OWGL may be found at https://www.owgl.org/owgl.

New CEO Announced
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