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 COMMITTEE
Committee:
The Associates 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 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.
2025 Committee
Chair: Freya Jensen – Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Committee:
The Communications Committee shall work to help publicize and promote projects and activities of the PSA. The committee chair(s) shall keep the board and membership informed of the activities of the committee so ideas, events and projects can be shared.
Role of the Chair(s):
The chair(s) leads efforts to publicize and promote the PSA’s projects and activities, ensuring visibility through various channels like newsletters and social media. The Chair(s) also keeps the board and members informed of the committee’s work by providing regular updates and sharing new innovations or ideas. This role ensures effective communication and engagement within the association.
2025 Committee
Co-Chair: Annelisa Zander – Berger International
Co-Chair: McKayla Fricker – Pure Seed
Committee:
The Annual Convention Committee is responsible for overseeing all details related to organizing the PSA’s Annual Convention. Appointed by the PSA President, this committee works in collaboration with the Executive Director to prepare a convention budget, which is then submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. The committee coordinates with staff Associate Director aspects of the event, including venue arrangements, convention programs, and agendas. Close communication with the President and Executive Director ensures smooth planning and execution of the convention.
Role of the Chair:
The Committee Chair has a crucial role in assisting the President with convention and annual meeting details. The Chair also ensures the committee and staff works efficiently in making all advance arrangements and stays on track with the event’s logistical needs.
2025 Committee
Chair: Katy Soden – California Crop Improvement Association
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.
2025 Field Seed Committee
Chair: Rachel Hankins – Barenbrug USA
2025 Turf Seed Committee
Chair: Bill Merrigan – Blue Mt. Seeds Inc.
2025 Native Seed Committee
Chair: Jessica Hoard, Rainier Seeds
2025 Organic Seed Committee
Chair: Vacant
2025 Vegetable Seed Committee
Chair: Vacant
HISTORIAN COMMITTEE
Role of the Chair:
The Historian Committee Chair shall collect and save all records, pictures, minutes, programs, etc. concerning the activities of the Pacific Seed Association with the help of the Executive Director.
2025 Committee
Grant Baglietto – Baglietto Seeds
LEGISLATIVE, TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Committee:
The Legislative, Technology 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.
2025 Committee
Chair: Vacant
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Committee:
The Membership Committee shall be responsible for the solicitation of new memberships in accordance with eligibility, classification and other requirements of membership as may be prescribed by the By-laws of the Association. Committee members will forward to the Chair lists of persons, firms or corporations who should be solicited for membership. The committee will also follow-up and be active participants in member retention.
Role of the Chair:
The Chair will compile said lists and work with staff to send solicitation and membership application forms. Membership applications are shared with the board each quarter for approval by the Board. The Membership Chair will provide a yearly report at the annual meeting and shall work together with the staff and the board members on recruitment and retention.
2025 Committee
Chair: Kathy Hutton – Seeds, Inc.
Vice Chair: Crystal Cox – Integrated Seed Growers LLC
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Committee:
The Nominating Committee is tasked with selecting individuals to serve the association in various leadership roles based on their ability, interest, and active participation. This committee ensures that qualified candidates are nominated for positions such as Directors, Officers, Committee Chairs, and members of various committees. The committee’s work is crucial to maintaining effective leadership within the association, and all nominations are presented during the Annual Convention for the membership’s vote.
Role of the Chair:
The Chair of the Nominating Committee is the Immediate Past President of the PSA, and the committee itself consists of Past Presidents. The Chair leads the nomination process, guiding the committee’s efforts in identifying and selecting candidates for leadership positions.
2025 Committee
Chair: Grant Baglietto – Baglietto Seeds
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.
2025 Committee
Chair: Katy Soden – California Crop Improvement Association