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SEATTLE (June 3, 2005) -- The Washington Wine Commission and Washington Wine Institute today announced the organizations' new executive director, Robin Pollard. Pollard begins her tenure with the Washington wine industry on July 11, bringing decades of management experience in state government, tourism and agriculture to the position.
She will lead industry-wide programs focused on branding the Washington wine category and concentrate on legislative initiatives on behalf of the Washington wine industry.
"We received an unprecedented level of interest and interviewed an excellent pool of candidates for this position," said Ted Baseler, Washington Wine Commission chairman and president and chief executive officer of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. "Robin Pollard's proven track record directing large state organizations made her the clear choice as our executive director. In addition to her background in agriculture, marketing and communications, her expertise in public policy matters will be a huge asset to our growing wine industry."
Pollard joins the wine industry from the Office of the Governor, where she managed the high-profile Boeing 787 Project. Previously, Pollard served as director of the Economic Development Division at the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, overseeing the expansion and delivery of the state's economic development programs ranging from tourism to infrastructure development, to business recruitment and expansion services. Prior to this role, Pollard served as director of the Washington State Tourism Office, implementing marketing campaigns for the state's $10.8 billion tourism industry. She previously held roles with the Washington State Office of Financial Management, AgriShip International and Missouri Department of Agriculture.
"We feel strongly that Robin Pollard has the skills necessary to lead the Washington Wine Institute in advocating the interests of the Washington wine industry on regional and national public affairs and legislative issues," said Tim Hightower, Washington Wine Institute president, operations manager for Covey Run Winery and owner of Hightower Cellars. "Robin is a leader and consensus builder, with experience driving innovative programs and activities for related organizations, including the Department of Tourism. We're confident she will continue to advance the Washington wine industry's image throughout the state, nationally and abroad."
The executive director, working with the Washington Wine Commission and Wine Institute staff, oversees a $1.5 million dollar budget, incorporating programs in marketing, public relations, public affairs, member relations, export outreach and the industry's new national branding campaign.
