Ginny Black, long-term CREF Board of Trustees Chair, officially stepped down as the chair. Black will continue serving as a member of the CREF board. She is resigning from CREF chairmanship to better focus on composting leadership in her home state, where Black is also the board chair for the Minnesota Composting Council.

Black has served as the CREF board chair for over a decade, guiding the organization from a relatively latent period to where it is today, with a full-time executive director, dedicated staff, and multiple ongoing programs and projects. Over the years, Black dedicated time, energy, and support to CREF, becoming the face of the Foundation for the compost industry. CREF will continue to grow its impact and outreach due to the care and commitment she gave to the organization.

Stepping in to fill the board chair role is Lorrie Rossiter. She has been both a USCC and CREF board member for many years, most recently serving as CREF’s Vice Chair. Lorrie brings with her a depth and breadth of skills, talent, and experience. CREF trustees and staff appreciate her accepting this new position with its additional responsibilities and are looking forward to working closely under Rossiter’s leadership during a time of growth and transition.

Other board changes include Britt Faucette’s departure as CREF Board Secretary and active board member. Faucette also served on the board for over a decade. He will be transitioning to a CREF advisor, sharing his expertise when needed. Board members Charles Duprey and Monica Ozores-Hampton will assume the vacated positions of vice chair and secretary respectively, and will join the Executive Committee along with Rossiter, and Jeff Ziegenbein, CREF’s treasurer.