CCOF Inc. Welcomes Executive Director Cathy Calfo
(April 27, 2011) Santa Cruz, CA – CCOF announced today the appointment of former California Deputy State Treasurer Cathy Calfo as Executive Director. Since 1973, CCOF has been a leader in enforcing standards for organic certification and in shaping policies that ensure the reliability and integrity of the organic brand.
Calfo served as Deputy State Treasurer between 1999 and 2004, leading strategic initiatives and overseeing the department’s legislative and communications programs. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of the national Apollo Alliance, based in San Francisco, working to promote clean energy and good jobs.
“Cathy is a real catch for CCOF,” said Will Daniels, CCOF board chair. “She brings with her years of proven, high-profile leadership in a variety of nonprofit settings. She has run a gubernatorial campaign, managed the California Treasurer’s office, and won victories on a national stage for green jobs and clean energy. I’m confident that under Cathy’s direction, the CCOF staff will grow from its already impressive scale of operation and effectiveness to even higher levels of achievement, prominence, and relevance for organic farming and food production.”
CCOF, based in Santa Cruz, California, certifies 2,400 organic farmers, processors, retailers, and private labelers. More than 175 businesses and over 100 individuals and families are supporting members of CCOF.
“I’m excited about leading CCOF as it enters its fourth decade as a key national force in supporting and promoting organic,” said Calfo. “The organic industry is adding farms, creating jobs, furthering sustainable practices, and producing healthy food all while coming out of tough economic times. Our vision is to be the leading voice for organic as we certify products, educate consumers, and shape forward-thinking policies,” she added.
Calfo is a founding member of the City of Santa Cruz Commission for the Prevention of Violence against Women, and has served on the city planning commission and the board of directors of a local homeless shelter for teens. She graduated from University of California Santa Cruz with a Bachelors of Arts degree in American Studies. Calfo has lived in Santa Cruz since 1975. She has three sons – Kris, Kaj, and Elijah.
About CCOF
CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1973 and is one of the nation’s oldest and largest third-party organic certifying agencies. CCOF certifies, educates, advocates, and promotes organic through:
• A premier organic certification program for growers, processors, private labelers, and retailers.
• Programs to increase awareness of and demand for certified organic product and to expand public support for organic agriculture.
• Advocacy for governmental policies that protect and encourage organic agriculture.
CCOF certifies more than 2,400 organic operations in 33 states and three foreign countries and serves over 250 supporting members - consumers, suppliers, businesses and individuals - interested in supporting its work.
Contact:
Robin Boyle
CCOF Director of Marketing, Member Services and Development
(831) 423-2263, ext. 27
rboyle@ccof.org
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