Members, Alternates & Advisors Appointed To Serve On The Cotton Board

(MEMPHIS, TN) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the appointment of eight members, eight alternate members, and two advisors to serve on The Cotton Board.  These appointees will serve three-year terms, ending December 31, 2024. 

Newly appointed members: Michelle Tarry, Importer – NJ; and Tara Hoffmann, Importer – NY.

Newly appointed alternate members: Caroline P. Collins, Producer – GA; Joe Cuervo, Importer – TX; and Scott C. Wagner, Importer – FL.

Reappointed members: Adam Hatley, Producer – AZ; George Teel Warbington, Producer – GA; Jeff Posey, Producer – TX; Julie Davis Holladay, Producer – TX; Randy Braden, Producer – TX; Sonja Chapman, Importer – NJ;

Reappointed alternate members: Ava Lynn Alcaida, Producer – AZ; Brett Schniers, Producer – TX; Jason French, Producer – TX; Steve Olson, Producer – TX; and Patricia R. Lesser, Importer – CA.

Reappointed advisors: Lamont Bridgeforth – AL; and Karen Kyllo – NV.  

In addition, USDA issued the following appointments to fill board vacancies. Each of these appointees have terms that will expire Dec. 31, 2022.

Newly appointed member: Alex Armour, Producer – TN.

Newly appointed alternate members: Kirk Smithwick, Importer – AL; John R. Rosman, Importer – TX; Matthew Davis, Importer – OH; Kathy Fowler, Producer – OK; and Gem Mitchell, Producer – TN.

“I am pleased to welcome this group of leaders to The Cotton Board. I look forward to meeting the new appointees and leaning on the experience of those who have been reappointed. The Cotton Board has an extensive orientation program set up to ensure new Members and Alternates are fully up-to-speed and prepared to participate at our upcoming March board meeting,” said Jimmy Webb, Georgia cotton producer and current Chairman of The Cotton Board. “On behalf of The Cotton Board, I would like to thank Secretary Vilsack for these timely appointments and thank the appointees for their willingness to share their time and expertise with the cotton industry,” he said.  

Members, Alternates, and consumer advisors of The Cotton Board collaboratively represent the interests of both importers and producers to The Cotton Board and Cotton Incorporated. Their insight contributes to activities of the Cotton Research & Promotion Program targeted at improving the profitability of the entire cotton industry. If you are interested in becoming a member of The Cotton Board, please contact your local Certified Producer/Importer Organization or the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 540-361-2726 for more information.