June 7, 2004
For immediate release
Contact: Dr. Susan M. Pheasant
IDFTA Executive Director
(509) 665-3812
IDFTA Selects Executive Director
Business and Education Responsibilities Integrated Into Single Entity
June 7, 2004 (Wenatchee, WA) Ð The International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association has named Dr. Susan Pheasant of Pheasant Projects, Inc. in Wenatchee, WA as its new Executive Director.
In conducting its search, the IDFTA Board specifically sought the abilities to manage the organization, to develop outstanding educational programs, and to communicate within and beyond the association. Board President, Ken Hall explains, "We are at a critical juncture for IDFTA. We are beginning the process of long-term strategic planning. IDFTA has been known first and foremost for the high quality educational programs it offers. While the focus and delivery methods for our educational programs may change, the high quality of these programs must continue. The Executive Director will play an important role in facilitating this process."
Initiated 1999, Pheasant Projects, Inc. devotes its resources to facilitating change efforts identified by growers, grower organizations, and commodity commissions operating in local, state, regional, national, and international environments. In recognizing that its clients are involved in agriculture as a way of life as well as a business, Pheasant Projects strives to expedite processes associated with and results attained through biological, business, and organizational innovations.
Dr. Pheasant brings to IDFTA over 20 years of strategic planning, analysis, organization management, education, and marketing research experience working with organizations, individuals, and support industries. In addition to her role as an entrepreneur, she has worked for the Center for Agricultural Partnership specializing in the implementation of large-scale projects utilizing her skills in project management, budgeting, grant writing, and evaluation. She has taught agricultural business classes at both the university and community college levels. She served as Business Manager and Education Program Coordinator for the Washington State Horticultural Association and as Executive Director for the international Jojoba Growers Association. Presently, she is working on a USDA Risk Management partnership grant among Washington State tree fruit, wine and juice grape, and potato organizations to develop and implement risk management education.
Susan has undergraduate degrees in Agricultural Economics and Business Administration from Washington State University, an MBA from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, and a Ph.D. from Washington State University. Her interdisciplinary doctoral degree incorporated Agricultural Economics, Marketing, Education, and Rural Sociology. Her dissertation focused on the decision-making processes of growers as they adopt innovative business and cultural practices while working in an environment thick with risk and uncertainty. Susan is a fourth generation member of the Washington tree fruit industry and, as her uncle fondly describes, 'she has apple juice in her blood.'
Established in 1958 "to promote an understanding of the nature and use of dwarf fruit trees through research, education and dissemination of information," the organization currently has over 700 members representing all major growing regions in the world. In furtherance of its mission, IDFTA:
Pheasant Projects takes over the responsibilities formerly held by Dr. Bruce Barritt, education director, and Charlie Ax, business manager. "Dr. Barritt's retirement as educational director prompted the opportunity to restructure the organization's management," comments President Ken Hall. "We wanted to position the organization to operate more efficiently and meet the changing demands of a global industry."
IDFTA is a non-profit member association established to "promote an understanding of the nature and use of dwarf fruit trees through research, education, and
dissemination of information."
www.idfta.org