12-Year Executive Director to pass the baton at year end
Portland, OR, June 20, 2023 – After 12 years serving in the role of Executive Director of the Oregon Wine Board (OWB), Tom Danowski announced today that he will leave the position at the end of the year.
In a letter to the industry, Danowski touched on some of the highlights during his years of leadership. “Over the past several years, our industry has tripled in size. Oregon has added seven new AVAs and achieved record distribution levels for the wines. We have attracted increased international attention from media and investors while developing the Oregon Wine Symposium into the premier educational and industry gathering in the Northwest. Oregon has never been held in higher esteem or been as well positioned to compete globally. While my predecessor at OWB was in the position for about a year, I have been gifted more time to forge memorable relationships, to work with extraordinary staff talent, and witness an historic arc that has placed Oregon in a coveted spot on the global wine map.”
“Oregon’s $7 billion wine industry owes Tom an enormous debt of gratitude for the growth and recognition of Oregon wines he has nurtured nationally and internationally during his tenure,” said Justin King, Chair of the Oregon Wine Board. King announced that an Industry Search Committee, chaired by King and Dr. Greg Jones, Vice-Chair of the Oregon Wine Board, has been approved by the Board and will be responsible for identifying and hiring a new leader for the OWB by the end of the year.
About the Oregon Wine Board
The Oregon Wine Board is a semi-independent Oregon state agency managing marketing, research and education initiatives that support and advance the Oregon wine and wine grape industry. The Board works on behalf of all Oregon wineries and independent growers throughout the state’s diverse winegrowing regions. To learn more, visit industry.oregonwine.org.
