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
This committee is composed of company representatives who sell products or services to the seed industry. The Chair appoints members to deliver reports at the Annual Convention. Ideas and suggestions for the convention are solicited in advance and presented to the membership during the event. The Chair also informs the Legislative Committee of any current or anticipated changes in laws or regulations affecting seed types.
2024 Committee
Chair: Freya Jensen – Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
The Communications Committee promotes PSA projects and ensures effective communication with members. The Chair keeps both the Board and membership informed about committee activities, innovations, and initiatives.
2024 Committee
Co-Chair: Annelisa Zander – Berger International
Co-Chair: McKayla Fricker – Pure Seed
Appointed by the PSA President, this committee handles all logistics for the Annual Convention. The Executive Director collaborates with the committee on budgeting and planning. Responsibilities include coordinating with the host facility, managing communications, room blocks, programs, and more. The Chair assists the President in selecting the PSA Person of the Year.
2024 Committee
Chair: Katy Soden – California Crop Improvement Association
FIELD SEED, TURF SEED & VEGETABLE SEED COMMITTEES
Each committee Chair appoints crop reporters for the Annual Convention. Member input is gathered in advance and shared with the membership during the event. The Chairs also report regulatory or legislative changes impacting their crop areas to the Legislative Committee.
2024 Field Seed Committee
Chair: Rachel Hankins – Barenbrug USA
2024 Turf Seed Committee
Chair: Bill Merrigan – Blue Mt. Seeds Inc.
2024 Vegetable Seed Committee
Chair: Vacant
HISTORIAN COMMITTEE
The Historian is responsible for preserving PSA records, photographs, minutes, programs, and other archival materials, with assistance from the Executive Director.
2024 Committee
Grant Baglietto – Baglietto Seeds
LEGISLATIVE, TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH COMMITTEE
This committee tracks legislative issues, technology trends, and research developments relevant to PSA member states and countries. Updates are shared via the monthly e-Newsletter, and the Chair assigns a reporter for the Annual Convention.
2024 Committee
Chair: Vacant
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
This committee solicits new memberships and ensures they meet PSA's bylaws and classifications. Members recommend potential candidates to the Chair, who then presents them to the Board. Upon approval, the Executive Director and Committee Chair coordinate outreach.
2024 Committee
Chair: Kathy Hutton – Seeds, Inc.
Vice Chair: Crystal Cox – Integrated Seed Growers LLC
NATIVE/ORGANIC COMMITTEE
Focused on issues unique to native and organic seed sectors.
2024 Committee
Native Seed Chair: Jessica Hoard – Rainier Seeds
Organic Seed Chair: Vacant
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
This committee selects candidates based on ability, interest, and involvement in PSA. Chaired by the Immediate Past President, members include Past Presidents. All nominations for Directors, Officers, and Committee Chairs are made during the Annual Convention.
2024 Committee
Chair: Grant Baglietto – Baglietto Seeds
This committee highlights public service initiatives of PSA member companies. Outreach is conducted through the PSA website, social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook), and the e-Newsletter, with opportunities for local media involvement.
2024 Committee
Co-Chair: Annelisa Zander – Berger International
Co-Chair: McKayla Fricker – Pure Seed
This committee oversees PSA’s Scholarship Program and works to raise and manage funds for future recipients. The Chair coordinates applicant interviews and announces recipients during the Annual Convention.
2024 Committee
Chair: Katy Soden – California Crop Improvement Association