February 7, 2018

Ames, Iowa.  The Iowa Organic Association’s (IOA) Board of Directors recently hired a new Executive Director to help lead the organization to advocate for policies and support for organic food production and to expand opportunities and resources for organic farmers in Iowa. 

Rosalyn (Roz) Lehman will begin as the new Executive Director for the Iowa Organic Association this week.  Roz comes to IOA with a wealth of experience managing small non-profit, advocacy and education organizations.  Most recently, she served as the founding Executive Director for Iowa Rivers Revival (IRR) from 2007-2016, and she was part of the team that passed the “Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy” ballot measure in 2010.  In her role at IRR, she helped develop advocacy and education programs, cultivate a statewide network of river leaders and supporters, and advance local and state efforts to restore, enhance and protect Iowa’s rivers and streams.  Roz has a background in community and policy organizing, and graduated from Drake University with a BA in sociology. IOA President, Scott Ausborn, commented, “the Board and I felt strongly that Roz’s experience and passion for sustainable land management and organic food was the perfect fit for IOA’s future.”  

Former Director, Kate Mendenhall, will continue to remain active as a member of IOA and will serve as a management consultant during the executive transition.  She said, “I am thrilled Roz will be joining the Iowa Organic Association team --- she’ll be leading IOA at an important time for Iowa organic growers and she is perfect for the job!”

Roz is based in Des Moines and will look forward to meeting Iowa’s organic farmers over the coming months.  Look for her at the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) Conference later this month.