Patricia Foss-Bennie Selected As American Mushroom Institute’s Executive Director

After a yearlong search, Patricia Foss-Bennie joined the American Mushroom Institute in November as executive director. Her office will be in Avondale, PA.

"I am very excited to return to working in agriculture and specifically the produce industry, and I have always enjoyed mushrooms.  I am very impressed with the success and accomplishments that AMI has achieved and look forward to helping AMI continue that success," she said.

Foss-Bennie began her association career as director of meetings and membership for the National Association of Wheat Growers in Washington, DC where she also worked to develop new state associations and a Leadership Development program.  In January 1993 she accepted the director of conventions and meetings position with the Produce Marketing Association, in Newark, DE.  She was made director of professional development in June 2003, with responsibility for management of all events and training programs as well as department management.  She left PMA after 14 years to accept a newly created position with the North Dakota Farm Bureau (NDFB).  Her responsibilities for NDFB included creation of exposition and sponsorship programs, strategic and business planning, corporate relations and the other many hats of those who work for small staff associations. 

She also worked as development staff for non-profits and recently the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. She currently holds three professional certifications:  Certified Association Executive, Certified Meeting Professional and is a graduate from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management. 

“Patty stood out among the several dozen applicants, not only as one of the most qualified, but a perfect fit for the criteria laid out by the AMI Board,” said Joe Caldwell, chair of the search committee. “Her experience with agricultural organizations positions her well to learn the mushroom business from the many helpful growers in our industry.”

“We are delighted to have Patty on our team,” said Laura Phelps, AMI president. “Her skills will allow us to expand the programs and services AMI provides and enhance the value of membership.”

Source: American Mushroom Institute