SEED SAVERS EXCHANGE PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JOHN TORGRIMSON.

Rowen White, the chair of Seed Savers Exchange’s Board of Directors, has announced that the organization’s president, John Torgrimson, will leave in summer 2017. Seed Savers Exchange, a nonprofit founded in 1975, is a national leader in the heirloom seed movement, with 12,000 members in 50 states and 30 countries. Torgrimson, who has been with the organization since 2009, was appointed President and Executive Director in 2010.

“The board is very appreciative of John’s leadership over the years and the direction the organization has been going under his tutelage,” White said. “John announced his decision at the board’s July meeting and we will be working toward a positive and constructive transition of leadership.”

Under Torgrimson’s direction, Seed Savers Exchange has developed its human resources - nearly doubling its professional staff, invested in technological infrastructure, and grown its annual revenues to more than $6,000,000.

During his tenure, the organization retooled its seed bank protocols, expanded its orchard to more than 1,000 varieties of apples, and developed partnerships with national and international organizations involved in seed security. Torgrimson also helped publish an award winning book on seed saving called The Seed Garden.

“I have decided to transition to a new chapter in my life once a successor has been selected and installed,” Torgrimson said. “I have been honored to work with so many extraordinary people here at Seed Savers Exchange, and around the country as well, who share my passion for seed security and who have taught me so much. I am proud of the work we have been able to do over the past several years and leave with the knowledge that the organization is on sound operational and financial footing.”

Seed Savers Exchange will be conducting a national search to identify the next president. The Board of Directors have hired Ballinger Leafblad, Inc. of St. Paul, Minnesota to facilitate the process. Inquiries can be sent to lars@ballingerleafblad.com.