Leaders Show Up

Leadership isn’t always easy. Like at most nonprofit organizations, leaders within the National Grape Research Alliance who serve as Officers and Directors of our Board take on important responsibilities. They help to ensure the organization operates smoothly, has clear strategic direction and successfully delivers on our grape research mission. And they set aside their individual business concerns to represent the grape and wine industry and advance our collective greater good.

NGRA Board Directors commit to three-year terms, which, at a time when the grape and wine industry is facing unprecedented headwinds, may be seen as a leap of faith. They’re asked to participate, preferably in person, in at least three Board meetings a year, held in locations around the U.S. It’s an expectation—and expense—that we don’t take for granted, especially as the industry faces economic challenges. Despite the many reasons not to, NGRA Board Directors show up and take a seat at the literal table to initiate novel research projects and programs to solve industry challenges, together.

So, it’s remarkable to note that, at our Annual Meeting in January, we not only re-elected three long-time Board Directors, but we also elected five new members to our Board. With thanks for their new or renewed commitment to service, they are:

Regional Representatives

  • Keith Striegler (GALLO), California Renewing
  • Nancie Oxley (St. Julian Winery, MI), Midwest Region New

Commodity Sector Representative

  • Eric Pooler (Nuveen Natural Capital, CA), Winegrape Sector New

 At-Large Representatives

  • Paul Dray (American Vineyard Foundation, CA) New
  • Randy Heinzen (Vineyard Professional Services, CA) Renewing
  • Justin Jackson (New York Wine & Grape Foundation) New
  • Anji Perry (J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines) Renewing
  • Julie Tarara (Washington Wine Commission) New

We also re-elected four of our officers, and installed one new one. We’re grateful to these tireless champions who are elected annually and serve at our highest level of leadership:

  • Chair – Rich Schaefers (Nuveen Natural Capital, CA)
  • Vice Chair – Emily Hodson (Virginia Wine Board [Veritas Vineyard and Winery])
  • Secretary – Chad Vargas (Atlas Vineyard Management and Advantage Vines Nursery, OR)
  • Treasurer – Anji Perry (J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, CA) New
  • Research Chair – Nick Dokoozlian (GALLO, CA)

Anji Perry is not new to the NGRA Board, but she is our new Treasurer. She succeeds Dan Martinez (Martinez Orchards, CA), who served as Treasurer for at least 10 years, bringing clarity and transparency to our financial reporting, and guiding NGRA’s first investments. We’re thrilled that Dan remains an At-Large Representative on our Board, and that Anji has stepped so gracefully into this vital role.

NGRA has a maximum of 30 Board Directors. Their renewable three-year terms are staggered so that about one-third of them expire each year. We consider it an honor that most of our Board members choose to renew their terms and are re-elected. We’re indebted to them for their time, attention, care and concern. Our research mission—and dare I say, the sustainability, competitiveness and profitability of the industry—depends on them. Please join me in thanking them and all our NGRA officers, Board and staff members for their service.

Donnell Brown
President