Nov 1, 2017

Michigan Vegetable Council seeks new executive director

The Michigan Vegetable Council is searching for a new executive director.

Dave Smith will retire as executive director of the council when his current contract ends on March 31, 2018. For nearly 20 years, he has served as the council’s executive director. Ben Kudwa, who has served the council on a part-time basis as director of external relations since 2014, will also retire effective March 31, 2018.

“I have enjoyed my work on behalf of the council and the vegetable growers it represents,” Smith said in a released statement from the council. “I have had the pleasure over the years of working with many good people on our board, as well as working with many others involved with or connected to our industry. I think the council’s activities have been beneficial to the growers we represent.

“I have especially enjoyed working with Ben Kudwa in recent years. We both feel the council is at a good point for transitioning to a new executive director to lead its activities.”

The deadline for applications is Dec. 15. Information describing the executive director position and explaining how to apply is posted on the council’s website,  www.michiganvegetablecouncil.org.

The Michigan Vegetable Council is a voluntary membership organization that represents more than 1,200 grower members. Its activities include supporting vegetable research and Extension/education programs, funding scholarships and representing the interests of vegetable growers on key issues.

In its efforts on behalf of growers, the council works closely with Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Michigan Farm Bureau and other industry organizations. The council is co-sponsor of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO, which attracts more than 4,000 attendees annually.

If you have questions or need additional information about the executive director position, contact Dave Smith, executive director, at 734-848-8899 or [email protected].