Laura Batcha
The Organic Trade Association board of directors has promoted Laura Batcha, its executive vice president, to the position of CEO/executive director.

Batcha, who succeeds Christine Bushway, also serves as chair of the OTA Political Action Committee and on the board of trustees for The Organic Center, an independent nonprofit research and education organization operating under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association.

Batcha has served as the representative of the organic industry on federal advisory committees, AC21, which advises on issues related to coexistence of biotechnology and organic and identity-preserved agriculture, and the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, which is dedicated to international trade.

She has served the Organic Trade Association in multiple capacities over the past six years. She was hired as marketing and public relations director, became chief of policy and external relations before serving as executive vice president.

She also has 20 years of experience as a certified organic producer and handler, and more than 10 years of experience in the private sector of the organic industry, OTA said in a news release.

OTA, which represents farmers, ranchers, handlers, manufacturers and retailers, has its headquarters are in Washington, D.C., with offices and staff in Vermont, California, and Oregon.