Founding Executive Director and CEO to Take on New Institute Role

Saskatoon, SK. … The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Roger Beachy as Senior Consultant to the Institute. The appointment, effective January 1, 2014 will coincide with the conclusion of his current contract as GIFS's interim and Founding Executive Director and CEO.

By Jennifer Thoma
"The Board is extremely pleased that Roger Beachy will continue his relationship with GIFS as senior consultant. The progress made during his tenure and the institute's start-up phase was evident by his stellar leadership and vision for GIFS," said Dallas Howe, Chair of the Board of Directors. "As a world-renowned scientist acclaimed for his expertise and knowledge of global food solutions and agriculture sustainability, his role will include leading the institute's International Science Review Panel which will enable us to draw on his vast knowledge and networks to augment our mandate of addressing the increasing global demand for safe and reliable food."

"I look forward to continued involvement with the Institute," said Beachy. "It has been a transformative first year for GIFS with significant groundwork laid in helping the institute set its course. We have established the mission and vision for the Institute, determined a team to support it and identified key research themes and initiatives for it that will attract exciting new research investment opportunities in the coming year."

"With foundational priorities and research directions established by Beachy and his team during the Institute's start-up phase, and in keeping with our first year plans for GIFS, we have begun the implementation of a smooth, planned transition process to select a permanent CEO to guide and advance the institute's mandate," said Howe.

Until a new Executive Director and CEO is appointed in 2014, Dr. Ernie Barber, will take on the role of Managing Director beginning January 1, 2014. Barber is currently Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.

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For further information, media may contact:

Betty Anne Stevenson

Director, Communications and Marketing

Global Institute for Food Security

306-966-3704

ba.stevenson@usask.ca