Cara Loriz, who joined Organic Seed Alliance in September 2016, will retire on September 30, 2023. Cara’s years of experience in agricultural nonprofit management, education, and communications helped OSA grow as an organization these past 7 years. In leading a small team with a big mission, she took on roles with the Organic Seed Growers Conference and Washington-based programs in addition to guiding organizational development and overseeing OSA’s operations and fund development.
“Working with seed and the people who grow it has been an honor and an inspiration,” Cara said in preparing for her departure. “Organic Seed Alliance is at an exciting juncture as we celebrate 20 years of good seed work and evolve with a newly launched strategic plan. I’m optimistic that new leadership will catalyze the groundwork laid and grow new opportunities to fulfill the promise and potential of organic seed.”
While the search for the next executive director continues, OSA’s Research and Education Co-Directors Micaela Colley and Jared Zystro will provide interim leadership.
Colley shared, “During Cara’s tenure at OSA she navigated the organization through impacts of Covid 19, led implementation of institutional DEI commitments, and facilitated a comprehensive strategic plan setting a pathway for the next phase of organizational growth.”
“The board of directors wishes to express our sincere appreciation to Cara for her steadfast leadership and service to OSA’s mission,” says board president, Emily Rose Haga. “The last 20 years have been a great chapter in the organization’s history, and thanks to her dedication OSA is better positioned financially and strategically to continue to grow this legacy and their impact in the years ahead.”
Cara extends her heartfelt gratitude to OSA colleagues, board members and the many program partners and supporters she has engaged with over the years.
