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UNITY — Ted Quaday, the executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, has announced that he intends to retire effective Aug. 31.
Quaday, 65, of Thorndike, Maine recently informed MOFGA’s Board of Directors and the association’s membership of his plans saying he is thankful for the opportunity to work with MOFGA to grow the organic movement in Maine and beyond.
Quaday accepted the executive director’s post in September 2013 following the death of long-time Executive Director Russell Libby in December 2012.
“MOFGA is a great organization with a positive mission to educate about and advocate for organic agriculture,” said Quaday. “It has been a real privilege to work with MOFGA’s 11,000 members to build on Russell Libby’s legacy of advocacy for organic food and farming.”
Quaday said he will be leaving MOFGA in a strong position and that the organization is well-positioned to continue the activism and positive growth demonstrated over the past four and a half years.
“We are implementing our new five-year strategic plan by providing additional services, adding support staff, and building a strong financial foundation, including growing our endowed funds to nearly $5 million. We’ve also moved MOFGA to a sustainable solar power system and enhanced our fairgrounds to improve attendees’ experience at the Common Ground Country Fair,” said Quaday.
The Common Ground Country Fair is MOFGA’s signature event, each September bringing more than 60,000 attendees to the group’s fairgrounds in Unity, Maine.
MOFGA Board President David Shipman complimented Quaday for his commitment to lead MOFGA’s efforts to promote organic food and farming.
“I thank Ted for guiding MOFGA through a difficult period of transition and for leaving behind a strong and committed organization,” said Shipman.
MOFGA’s Board of Directors has initiated a professionally guided national search process and is currently seeking input from its membership regarding challenges and opportunities the organization can expect to see over the next several years. Shipman said a new executive could be selected as early as July of this year.
PHOTO: Ted Quaday (MOFGA.org photo)
