PSA Past Presidents Panel: History, Challenges, and Future

The PSA 2026 Past Presidents Panel at the centennial convention in Waikiki became a heartfelt conversation about legacy, change, and the power of staying connected in an increasingly “artificial” world.

Setting the stage in Honolulu

At the PSA 100th Annual Convention in Waikiki, the Past Presidents Roundtable brought together association leaders from across the last fifteen years: Kathy Hutton (2011), Joe Baglietto (2013), Rob Duerst (2014), Bill Merrigan (2016), Mike Ingham, Carolyn Lockwood (2021–2022), and Grant Baglietto (2024–2025).

They spoke to a room full of members who were celebrating PSA’s first 100 years and were clearly thinking about what the next century should look like.

A legacy of “people first”

More than policy or programs, the past presidents kept circling back to one theme: PSA’s strength is its people and the relationships they build.

There was a shared sense that while technology and markets will keep changing, the association’s real value lies in bringing people together who might live “just down the road five miles” but never see each other outside of PSA events.

The challenge: “One new member”

Past President Carolyn Lockwood issued one of the clearest calls to action of the afternoon: challenge every current member to bring in “one new member.”

She pointed out that PSA often reconnects colleagues who are physically close but rarely cross paths, and she urged everyone in the room to reach out to those neighboring companies and invite them in.

Connection in an artificial world

Past president Grant Baglietto picked up on a tension many were feeling: as the world becomes “more and more artificial,” in‑person connections become more important, not less.

He encouraged PSA to intentionally prioritize human connection, arguing that the face‑to‑face time at conventions and meetings will only grow in value as digital tools and automation expand.

Using social media without losing our soul

Looking ahead, Carolyn Lockwood also highlighted how different the communication landscape is today compared to when she first became active in the association.

She praised the current leadership team for leaning into social media and urged PSA to keep using those platforms to remind the industry that “we’re still here” and “fighting the fight” on members’ behalf.

Old guard to new guard: “Keep going”

Past President Mike Ingham brought humor and humility, joking that “we’re old,” then quickly pivoting to how impressed he is with the energy and innovation of the current board.

He admitted he personally “hates change” but underscored that it is essential, urging the new leaders not to get “wrapped around the axle” about protecting legacy at the expense of needed evolution.

Legacy without being stuck

That theme—honoring history without being held back by it—came up repeatedly as the panel responded to a thoughtful question from board member Crystal Cox.

She described the new board’s desire to respect PSA’s long history while also moving the association forward to respond to changing technology, evolving industry challenges, and new ways people interact.

Investing in the future, not standing still

Past President Rob Duerst framed the discussion in business terms his audience knew well: are you investing in your future?

Drawing on his experience in a vertically integrated operation—production, processing, and distribution under one roof—he compared PSA’s need to keep investing in itself to a farm’s need to buy new tractors and combines to stay competitive.

“You’ve got it going”

For Joe Baglietto, the message to the new leaders was simple: “You guys have it going.”

He echoed the confidence shared by the rest of the panel, affirming that the association’s current direction, energy, and leadership bench are strong.

“Don’t be afraid of change”

Carolyn Lockwood and Kathy Hutton both reinforced the idea that fear of change is what actually endangers organizations.

Kathy—who broke new ground as PSA’s first female president—urged the younger leaders to “go for it,” embrace fresh ideas, and not be afraid of where that innovation might lead.

Trusting the next generation

Closing out the session, PSA President Michael Rascon and Young Board members reflected on a quiet but important reality: the current board is serving because the past presidents and membership asked them to.

As one Young Board member put it, the panel’s love for what they do “shows at these meetings,” and that example is now shaping how the next generation will carry PSA into its second century.

A panel that looked both ways

In the end, the Past Presidents Roundtable was less about nostalgia and more about alignment: the people who built PSA urging today’s leaders to protect what matters—relationships, service, integrity—while not hesitating to try new things.

From a call to recruit just one new member, to reminders to invest, adapt, and stay human in a digital age, the panel offered a clear, encouraging message for the next 100 years of the Pacific Seed Association.