Organic Seed Alliance

Putting the power of seed into the hands of growers

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Farewell from OSA’s Executive Director Dr. Laurajean Lewis

Dear OSA community,

I am writing with both excitement and deep gratitude to share some news: I have accepted the position of Director of the Genetic Resources Program at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico. I will be transitioning out of my role as Executive Director of the Organic Seed Alliance this fall.

This is a bittersweet moment for me. OSA has been my home for the past two years as Executive Director, and my partner for more than 14 years in building resilient seed systems. Together with you — our staff, board, partners, and supporters — we have made tremendous strides in advancing farmer-centric seed work that is rooted in ecological and cultural integrity.

A stylish woman with short, gray hair and glasses smiles brightly at the camera, holding a large jar of grains. She is dressed in a black quilted jacket, tan pinstriped pants, and black loafers. She stands in a long, narrow storage room with rows of shelves on either side, filled with countless jars of what appear to be seeds or grains. The room is well-lit by overhead industrial lights, and the overall impression is one of organized research or collection.

The opportunity to serve in this global role at CIMMYT is truly a dream come true. I will be working with more than 150 staff across 13 countries, and I am eager to carry forward the values that OSA has instilled in me: centering farmers, protecting agrobiodiversity, and ensuring equitable access to seed as the foundation of our food systems.

I want to thank all of you for your trust, your partnership, and your commitment to this movement. While I will miss my day-to-day work with OSA, I look forward to continuing to collaborate in new ways from my role at CIMMYT.

The OSA board and staff will be in touch soon with more details about the transition process. I have every confidence that OSA’s mission and impact will continue to thrive under their capable leadership.

With gratitude,
Laura

Laura R. Lewis

Laura R. Lewis serves as the executive director at Organic Seed Alliance. She maintains and enlivens our mission, ensures operational and financial sustainability, builds organizational capacity, and seeks new opportunities.

Organic Seed Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN 51-0175667.

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