Commissions’ farmer executive leadership continues into 2023

Both Alberta Barley and the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) have maintained continuity with each organization’s executive structure for 2023.  

On December 8, 2022, following Alberta Barley’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), the commission announced the continuation of its executive team members for the board of directors. Tara Sawyer, who farms near Acme, Alberta, will continue her role as chair, while Roy Newman, who farms near Blackie, Alberta, will resume his service as vice-chair. 

Similarly, on January 26, 2023, following the AWC AGM, the board voted in confidence for its executive leadership to remain consistent with Greg Sears as chair, Jason Lenz as vice-chair, and Shawn Jacula as second vice-chair. 

With the transition from two commissions to one formal entity imminent, both boards approached the executive with complementary direction – to maintain the current leadership for cohesion until August 1, 2023. 

“I continue to be honoured by the board’s vote of confidence in my ability to serve Alberta barley farmers as chair,” says Tara Sawyer. “During this critical time period of transitioning into one commission by the end of our fiscal year, the board understood the importance of maintaining leadership stability.” 

“Over the next few months, we look forward to building a well-thought-out platform for the new commission to launch from,” says Greg Sears who farms near Sexsmith, Alberta. “As we continue to engage with Alberta Agriculture Products Marketing Council and producers on the final details related to an amalgamated organization, I am honoured to lead the organization in its remaining months as a single commission and keep Alberta farmers’ interests front and center.”

To learn more – you can read the Alberta Barley executive leadership update.

Alternatively, the AWC executive leadership press release announcement can be found here.