Washington, D.C.—After more than a decade of service to theOrganic Trade Association (OTA)and the organic community, CEO Laura Batcha plans to step down in spring 2022. The trade association announced that it has hired global organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry to lead its search for a new CEO and Executive Director.

OTA looked back at Batcha's "legacy of success," noting that during her tenure, the size and scope of OTA expanded substantially. Batch is credited with building a team of expert staff, expanding opportunities for member engagement, and establishing OTA’s DC office and government relations arm. Batcha steered the association through three farm bills and multiple presidential administrations, OTA shared, and played a key role in positioning OTA as the voice of organic on the Hill.

“The growth of our association and across the organic community during Laura’s tenure has been nothing short of spectacular," said Board Member Paul Schiefer of Amy’s Kitchen, in a press release. "Since Laura took the helm in 2014, OTA has been able to attract new partners at every scale and at every position along the value chain.”

“If there’s one thing I’m feeling right now, it’s confident,” added Batcha. “Confident in my team at OTA, confident in the great folks at Korn Ferry who we’ve brought on to help with our search, and confident that the next person we select to lead this organization is going to bring a new outlook, fresh ideas, and a dedication to moving organic forward.”

Looking to the future of the OTC, Batcha added: “Our work at the Organic Trade Association is always evolving, and I’m proud that we have the team in place—as well as support from our membership—to tackle the difficult issues that must be addressed in order for our industry to grow and move forward."