Call for nominations of new members to US Rosaceae Genomics, Genetics and Breeding Executive Committee (RosEXEC)

The mission of the RosEXEC is to:

· Serve as a communication and coordination focal point for the US Rosaceae genomics, genetics and breeding community.

· Define and promote research priorities based on input from the industry and research community.

· Coordinate educational efforts from the research community to the industry and the public.

After 3 years of excellent service the following US members (Angela Baldo, Nahla Bassil, Jim Hancock, Bryon Sosinski and Phil Stewart) will be rotating off the RosEXEC in January of 2012.

In 2011, five new RosEXEC members will be elected to a 3 year term to replace them in January. All members of the Rosaceae community are invited to nominate candidates for election. Nomination of candidates who have not previously served on the RosEXEC and representatives of industry are encouraged. Members rotating off RosEXEC in January 2012 are not eligible for nomination (see list above). Members who will continue to serve in 2012 include, John Clark, Chris Dardick, Kate Evans, Kevin Folta, Ksenija Gasic, Amy Iezzoni, Jim McFerson, Jay Norelli, Mercy Olmstead, Janet Slovin, J.D. Swanson and Vance Whitaker, so no need to nominate them as they will already be serving. Other former members of RosEXEC are eligible for nomination.

International liaison members, Herman Silva (South America) and David Chagné (Australia/New Zealand) will be rotating off in January after 2 years of excellent service and we are also seeking nomination of international liaisons to a 2 year term on RosEXEC. Liaison members remaining through 2013 are Thomas Debener (Europe) and Michela Troggio (Europe).

Prior to nomination, the nominator is required to contact the nominee and confirm their willingness to serve on RosEXEC. Committee members are expected to participate in quarterly telephone conference meetings and provide several hours of work in support of the RosEXEC mission. Nominations should be sent to Jay Norelli (jay.norelli@ars.usda.gov), Chair of the RosEXEC membership committee by August 15, 2011. Nominees will then be contacted by the membership committee and asked to provide a CV or bio, and a brief vision statement. The community wide election will be held in September.

Former RosEXEC members: Herb Aldwinckle, Bert Abbott, Abhaya Dandekar, Tom Davis, Amit Dhingra, Gennaro Fazio, Chad Finn, Stan Hokanson, Schuyler Korban, Kim Lewers, Jim Luby, Cameron Peace, Vladimir Shulaev, Dariusz Swietlik, Gary van Sickle, and Gayle Volk.

Former international liaisons: Pere Arús, Sue Gardiner, Jasper Rees, Dan Sargent, and Eric van de Weg.

John (Jay) Norelli

Research Plant Pathologist

USDA-ARS, Appalachian Fruit Research Station

telephone: (304) 725-3451 x264

email: jay.norelli@ars.usda.gov mailto:jay.norelli@ars.usda.gov

fax: (304) 728-2340

address: 2217 Wiltshire Road

Kearneysville, WV 25430