(MEMPHIS, TN) – The United States Department of Agriculture has announced the appointment of seven members, seven alternates, and two advisors to serve three-year terms on The Cotton Board from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027. Additionally, USDA appointed seven individuals to fill board vacancies.
Newly appointed members: Caroline Collins Barber, Producer – GA; Doyle Schniers, Producer – TX; and Kelly Gupta, Importer – TX.
Newly appointed alternate members: Willie Scott, Producer – GA; Chris Matschek, Producer – TX; Daniel Pacheco, Producer – TX; and Martin Schatz, Importer – CA.
Reappointed members: Adam Hatley, Producer – AZ; Julie Holladay, Producer – TX; Michelle Tarry, Importer – NJ; and Tara Hoffman, Importer – NY.
Reappointed alternate members: Steve Olson, Producer – TX; Nicholas Pence, Importer – MD; and Steven Bohman, Importer – TX.
Newly appointed advisor: Nicole Tanner – NY.
Reappointed advisor: Damian Murrieta – AZ.
In addition, USDA issued the following appointments to fill board vacancies with terms that through Dec. 31, 2025:
Newly appointed member: David Light, Producer – KS.
Newly appointed alternate members: Carolyn Seeliger, Producer – KS; Brad Harrison, Producer – OK; Volkan Tastan, Importer – NJ; and Elizabeth Cobarrubias, Importer – OR.
Finally, USDA issued the following appointments to fill board vacancies with terms that run through Dec. 31, 2026:
Newly appointed member: Jennifer Pisula, Importer – DE.
Newly appointed alternate member: Shannon Chestnut, Importer – TX.
“I am pleased to welcome this group of leaders to The Cotton Board. I look forward to meeting the new appointees and leaning on the experience of those who have been reappointed. The Cotton Board has an extensive orientation program set up to ensure new Members and Alternates are fully up-to-speed and prepared to participate at our March 2025 board meeting,” said Cotton Board Chair Akiko Inui. “On behalf of The Cotton Board, I would like to thank USDA for these timely appointments, and I thank the appointees for their willingness to share their time and expertise with the cotton industry,” she said.
Members, Alternates, and Advisors of The Cotton Board collaboratively represent the interests of both importers and producers to The Cotton Board and Cotton Incorporated. Their insight contributes to activities of the Cotton Research & Promotion Program targeted at improving the profitability of the entire cotton industry. If you are interested in becoming a member of The Cotton Board, please contact your local Certified Producer/Importer Organization or the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 540-361-2726 for more information.