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Organic Materials Review Institute appoints new senior-management team
January 16, 2003
Contact: Laura Morrison
EUGENE, Ore. – The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), the nonprofit organization that provides technical reviews and maintains comprehensive lists of materials and ingredients for use by organic certifiers, growers, ranchers, and processors, has installed a new management team. The individuals will work out of OMRI's Eugene, Ore., headquarters.
OMRI has added to its technical leadership by tapping Laura Morrison as its operations director, a new senior-management position. Morrison, who holds a Ph.D. in plant sciences, comes to OMRI from Oregon State University, Corvallis, where she was a researcher in the Department of Crop & Soil Science and is an international expert on agricultural botany and domesticated plant diversity. Prior to her academic career out West, Morrison worked at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in its former Office of Toxic Substances. Morrison also has experience working as a legal researcher and writer.
"We are extremely pleased to have Laura, with her strong technical background and plant expertise, leading the OMRI team," said Mary Mulry, Ph.D., elected OMRI Board president, and senior director, product standards for Wild Oats Markets, Inc.
Mulry also announced the appointment of Dave DeCou, a member of the OMRI Board of Directors, to the post of interim managing director. DeCou, a local Oregon organic farmer and recognized leader in the organic industry, joined the OMRI Board this past summer. DeCou also is an active member of the Organic Trade Association Board of Directors. A founding member of the Organically Grown Cooperative, DeCou sat on the Board of that company while also serving as its general manager during the co-ops transition to the Organically Grown Company, the largest wholesaler of organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs in the Pacific Northwest. Having stepped down from that management position, DeCou continues to farm and to serve the organic industry through his various board positions.
"Dave is widely respected as an organic industry expert who can bring together the diverse sectors that we serve," Mulry commented. "Together with the OMRI staff, we have an effective management team on board to help expand OMRI's services."
The OMRI president detailed that Morrison would manage OMRI internal operations with a focus on OMRI's research and educational activities. Meanwhile, DeCou will direct his efforts to OMRI's involvement in the National Organic Program (NOP) and the technical role that OMRI will play in serving the USDA and the organic industry.
"We are committed to continue to build our Brand Name Product review program, certifier services, research, and educational outreach in the coming years. With the implementation of the final USDA organic regulations, OMRI can focus on expanding these services to the organic community," Mulry noted. "We are proud to be a global leader in providing objective reviews for products used in organic production and handling."
About the Organic Materials Review Institute
OMRI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to benefit the organic community and the general public. Its primary mission is to publish and disseminate generic and specific (brand name) list of materials allowed and prohibited for use in the production, processing, and handling of organic food and fiber. The organization provides technical reviews and maintains comprehensive lists of materials and ingredients for use in the organic industry. OMRI also conducts scientific research and provides information to organic certifiers, growers, ranchers, and processors.
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