At the conclusion of the Canary Seed Development Commission of Saskatchewan’s annual meeting and information session in Regina, management changes were announced.
After 15 years, long-time executive director Kevin Hursh, of Hursh Consulting & Communications, is stepping aside at the end of January to concentrate on other endeavors. As well, Adele Buettner of AgriBiz Communications, who rounded out the management team as general manager, is stepping back as GM and is excited to take on a new role as Culinary & Food Development Director. She will focus on helping advance Canary seed for food use, which is being branded by its Spanish name, alpiste.
Darren Yungmann, a farmer from the St. Gregor area, has resigned as chair of the commission and with the unanimous support of the board, is looking forward to assuming the role of executive director.
“On behalf of the CSDCS Board, we extend sincere appreciation to both Kevin and Adele for providing excellent leadership over the last 15 years. Through their dedication and leadership, they helped develop a strong organizational foundation, advance research initiatives and lead the Commission through the approval process for food use through the USDA and Health Canada,” stated Yungmann.
“I also wish to thank everyone for their confidence in me as I assume the role as executive director. I will do my best to continue to advance Canary seed as well as to support the evolution of alpiste,” noted Yungmann.
Directors have the option of filling the vacancy on the board via appointment.