The Wheat Quality Council announced Wednesday that Sean Finnie of Sif Grains, LLC, will serve as interim executive director during a six-month transition period following Dave Green’s retirement as executive vice president at the end of February.
The Executive Committee of the Wheat Quality Council Board of Trustees made the decision to ensure continuity of operations while the organization designs its long-term leadership structure.
The committee issued a Request for Proposals on March 6 seeking interim leadership support, with proposals due March 20. Following review of several proposals, the board accepted a joint proposal from the Kansas Wheat Commission and Sean Finnie/Sif Grains, LLC.
Under the arrangement, Finnie will provide interim executive leadership while Kansas Wheat will provide administrative support services. Together, they will provide operational oversight, program continuity, trustee and technical committee support and transition documentation to support a smooth handoff to permanent leadership.
“Sean Finnie and Kansas Wheat bring the experience, industry knowledge and organizational capacity needed to guide the Wheat Quality Council through this transition,” said Brad Erker, chair of the Wheat Quality Council Board of Trustees and executive director of Colorado Wheat.
Finnie brings experience across the wheat value chain, including roles as a researcher with Cargill and Bay State Milling, leadership of the USDA-ARS Western Wheat Quality Laboratory, and work as an independent consultant. He maintains strong relationships with breeders, millers, bakers and wheat organizations nationwide.
“I care deeply about the Wheat Quality Council’s mission and its role as a trusted, neutral convener for wheat quality testing,” Finnie said.
Finnie’s appointment is effective immediately.
