The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today 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, Charlotte, N.C.
- Kelly Gupta, Houston, Texas
- Doyle Schniers, San Angelo, Texas
Newly appointed alternate members:
- Daniel Pacheco, Oro Valley, Ariz.
- Martin Schatz, Alameda, Calif.
- Willie Scott, Collins, Ga.
- Chris Matschek, Garden City, Texas
Reappointed members:
- Adam Hatley, Mesa, Ariz.
- Michelle Tarry, Maplewood, N.J.
- Tara Hoffmann, New York, N.Y.
- Julie Davis Holladay, Lubbock, Texas
Reappointed alternate members:
- Nicholas A. Pence, Severna Park, Md.
- Steven J. Bohman, Allen, Texas
- Steven D. Olson, Plainview, Texas
Newly appointed advisor:
- Nicole Tanner, Liverpool, N.Y.
Reappointed advisor:
- Damian Murrieta, Stanfield, Ariz.
Additional appointments:
- USDA appointed five members to fill board vacancies with terms through Dec. 31, 2025:
- David C. Light, Rolla, Kan., member
- Carolyn Seeliger, Burden, Kan., alternate member
- Brad Harrison, Elk City, Okla., alternate member
- Volkan Tastan, Cherry Hill, N.J., alternate member
- Elizabeth Cobarrubias, Salem, Ore., alternate member
- USDA appointed two members to fill board vacancies with terms that expire Dec. 31, 2026:
- Jennifer Pisula, Wilmington, Del., member
- Shannon Chestnut, Mansfield, Texas, alternate member
The Cotton Research and Promotion Act of 1966 authorized a national cotton research and promotion program that is both industry-operated and funded. More information is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cotton Board webpage.
Since 1966, Congress has authorized the development of industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight of 22 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.
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