PSA COMMITTEES
In our efforts to continually stay relevant and engaging, we ask that you consider getting yourself and/or employees at your company involved with the PSA committees. It is within the committees that industry problems are identified, analyzed, discussed--and where solutions and courses of action are born. Here the individual can have their voice heard and contribute effectively to the process of industry self-determination. The final effectiveness of this system depends on your active participation. The purpose of the PSA committees is to identify issues affecting the sustainability of the seed industry, work on solutions, identify opportunities and make recommendations to the Board of Directors to affect change and provide direction on the types of services that the association can deliver to its members. The committees are the conduit to our members and serve as an important means to maintain and grow the seed industry.
*If you have someone at your company that you feel would be best suited for one of these committees, please encourage them to sign up and get involved with PSA.
ASSOCIATES & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Committee:
The Associates & Technology Committee consists of company representatives that sell supplies or services members of the seed industry. The chair shall appoint members to provide reports during the annual convention and provide support and involvement at the annual convention. Suggestions from committee members regarding ideas for the convention shall be solicited beforehand.
Role of the Chair:
The Chair of the Associates & Technology Committee plays a key leadership role, representing company representatives who sell supplies and services to the seed industry. Their duties include appointing members to provide reports during the annual convention and soliciting ideas from committee members beforehand, which are then presented to the broader membership. By fostering collaboration and staying informed on industry developments, the Chair ensures the committee’s contributions remain valuable to the association.
2026 Committee
Chair: Freya Jensen – Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Committee:
The Communications Committee works to promote and publicize the projects, events, and activities of the Pacific Seed Association (PSA), while also highlighting the achievements of member companies and affiliate organizations. The committee keeps the board and membership informed about ongoing initiatives, ensuring that ideas, updates, educational resources, classes, and opportunities are shared across the organization. The committee meets virtually about once a month to plan outreach efforts, coordinate communication strategies, and review ongoing projects.
Role of the Chair(s):
The chair(s) provide leadership in developing and executing communication strategies that enhance the visibility of PSA, its members, and affiliate partners. They oversee outreach through newsletters, social media, blog posts, and website updates to promote engagement and collaboration. The chair(s) also ensure timely updates to the board and membership, encourage participation, share new ideas, and support consistent messaging across the association. Additionally, they guide efforts to create and distribute member surveys to gather feedback on conventions, content, priorities, and industry issues—helping inform the board’s decisions and strategic direction.
2026 Committee
Co-Chair: Annelisa Zander – Berger International
Co-Chair: McKayla Fricker – Pure Seed
FIELD SEED, TURF SEED & VEGETABLE SEED COMMITTEES
Committees:
The Field, Turf, Vegetable Seed, Native and Organic Seed Committees focus on addressing specific issues, trends, and developments related to these respective seed types. These committees serve as platforms for discussion, idea-sharing, and providing updates on industry-related matters. They also play a crucial role in gathering input from committee members to ensure that the needs and concerns of those involved in field, turf, and vegetable seed production are represented within the association.
Role of the Chair(s):
The Chairs of these committees have important leadership responsibilities. They appoint crop reporters to present reports during the annual convention, ensuring that relevant updates and insights are shared with the membership. Additionally, the Chairs solicit suggestions from committee members regarding topics or ideas for the convention and present them at the event. Furthermore, each Chair is responsible for advising the legislative committee on any current or projected changes in laws and regulations that might impact field, turf, vegetable, native or organic seeds, ensuring that the association stays informed on regulatory developments.
2026 Field Seed Committee
Chair: Rachel Hankins – Barenbrug USA
2026 Turf Seed Committee
Chair: Bill Merrigan – Blue Mt. Seeds Inc.
2026 Native Seed Committee
Chair: Jessica Hoard, Rainier Seeds
2026 Organic Seed Committee
Chair: Vacant
2026 Vegetable Seed Committee
Chair: Vacant
LEGISLATIVE & RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Committee:
The Legislative and Research Committee is tasked with monitoring and reporting on legislative issues, technological advancements, and research developments related to seed matters within PSA member states and countries. This committee ensures that relevant updates are communicated to the PSA Executive Director for inclusion in the monthly e-newsletter, keeping members informed about the latest industry trends and regulatory developments.
Role of the Chair:
The committee chair plays a key leadership role by assigning a reporter to present updates at the annual meeting. Additionally, the chair advises the legislative committee on any current or potential changes in laws and regulations that could impact various seed types, helping the association stay proactive in addressing legislative concerns.
2026 Committee
Chair: Michael Rascon, TriCal Forage
Vice Chair: Reilly Roach, Rainier Seed
Committee: The Scholarship Committee is responsible for developing, managing, and enhancing the PSA’s Scholarship Program within the association’s geographic area. This committee works closely with the Executive Director to raise and invest scholarship funds in a way that maximizes the number of scholarships available for deserving applicants. The committee plays a key role in ensuring that the program continues to grow and support future leaders in the seed industry.
Role of the Chair:
The Committee Chair oversees the process of soliciting scholarship applicants to a wide variety of schools and coordinating the review and selection process. Additionally, the Chair is responsible for announcing the recipients of the PSA Scholarship during the Annual Convention, ensuring the recognition of these individuals within the association.
2026 Committee
Chair: Katy Soden – California Crop Improvement Association