Cotton Board Seeks Leadership Diversity

By Jim.Robinson|June 30, 2011

Certified Producer and Importer Organizations (CPOs and CIOs) will meet this summer to nominate candidates for leadership positions within the Cotton Research & Promotion Program, including the Cotton Board, which administers and oversees the Cotton Research & Promotion Program conducted by Cotton Incorporated. The Program works to increase the demand for and improve the market position of cotton.

“The upcoming caucuses offer cotton producers and cotton importers, brands and retailers the opportunity to participate in leadership positions that provide oversight of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program,” says Texas producer and Cotton Board Chairman Craig Shook. “These are important positions, and we need strong leadership that reflects the diversity within the U.S. cotton industry. Diverse representation brings a broad range of knowledge and experience to the table which strengthens the work of the Cotton Research & Promotion Program.”

Shook recently facilitated two conference calls with CPOs and CIOs to emphasize the importance of board diversity and encourage broad participation by industry members. USDA guidelines governing Board nominations stress that checkoff boards should reflect diversity in the size of operations, experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, as well as race, ethnicity, and gender. The USDA guidelines assert that Boards should be reflective of the industry population that contributes to the research and promotion assessment. Shook further stated, “It is clear that board diversity will continue to play an important role as the Secretary of Agriculture considers potential appointees to the Cotton Board.”

In related news, The Cotton Board’s President and CEO, William A. “Bill” Gillon, has been elected to serve as the Chairman of the Board for Agricenter International. Gillon previously served on the volunteer board for five years and has held the positions of vice chairman and legal committee chair (attorney of record).

“We are extremely honored to have Bill as our Chairman. His in-depth knowledge of agriculture and agricultural law and policy over the last 25 years will be an invaluable resource as we continue our work to meet the mission of our organization,” said Agricenter President John Charles Wilson.