Sep 12, 2012Spence named director of industry outreach for WSPC
The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) has named Raina Spence as its new director of industry outreach.
Spence’s role at the commission will be focused on providing technical advice and assistance to the industry on food safety, sustainability programs and pest and plant diagnostics. She will oversee various research projects funded by the WSPC and coordinate efforts with other research institutions to develop key educational information. Findings from these initiatives will be distributed to growers, shippers, processors and other members of the Washington State potato industry.
“This is a new position that will be working directly with growers on helping them deal with the many new challenges our industry is facing,” said WSPC Executive Director Chris Voigt. Raina has a great background that includes potatoes, plant diagnostics, and direct outreach to growers.””
Most recently, Spence was a foreign service officer for the United States Agency for International Development. Her responsibilities included providing management, technical support and implementation of several agricultural programs for the federal government in foreign countries. She previously worked in various capacities as a research scientist with a focus on plant pathology for the University of Wyoming.
Spence holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in botany from Central Washington University, and a master of science in plant pathology from Washington State University.
For more information, click here or call 509.765.8845.
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