New Management Structure for the OMRI Review Program

(June 1, 2011) In step with the continued growth of the organization, OMRI has improved the management structure of its Review Program.  Effective on June 1st, the previous position of Review Program Manager has been divided among three separate positions.  Lindsay Fernandez-Salvador will continue to provide quality, professional oversight to the Review Program in the new position of Program Director. Her duties will include overall management of the Review Program, and she has also taken on some new tasks and projects in OMRI's technical and education programs. Lindsay earned a B.S. in Natural Resource Management at Oregon State University, and she holds an M.S. in Geography from the University of Florida.  Her graduate thesis examined market conditions that contribute to success for small organic farms, and she has worked as an organic farming consultant and inspector.

Deder Siedler has been chosen to fill the new position of OMRI Review Program Technical Manager.  In this new position, Deder will oversee the day-to day operations of the Review Program technical staff and procedures. Deder holds a B.S. and an M.S. in Biology from the University of Oregon. Deder has worked as an OMRI Product Review Coordinator for the past three years, during which time he has shown exemplary leadership and technical skill.  Gwen Ayres has also provided exceptional service for many years as an OMRI Product Review Coordinator. She began last year in the new position of Review Program Administrative Manager, and she will continue to manage the administrative procedures and staff under this new structure. Gwen holds a B.S. in natural resources from Northland College. She has experience in conservation field work, including supervisory positions, and has worked as a certified pesticide applicator in three states.

Together, these three positions will provide a more balanced and sustainable management structure to the growing OMRI Review Program. At the same time, the new structure will allow OMRI to keep up with increasing demand for the organization's input and participation in regulatory development. OMRI is also planning to increase educational outreach and services, providing better resources to the whole organic industry.

Contact: Peggy Miars, OMRI Executive Director/CEO