Key Takeaways:
- The Committee on Sustainability Assessment (COSA) enriches its Board of Directors with four new members.
- New board members bring a wealth of expertise in sustainable agriculture, legal frameworks, gender equality, and brand development.
- COSA’s leadership expresses confidence in the new board’s ability to drive forward its sustainability agenda.
- The appointments mark a significant step in COSA’s nearly two-decade-long journey toward revolutionizing sustainability in agriculture.
COSA Expands Its Leadership Team
The Committee on Sustainability Assessment (COSA), a key figure in the global sustainable agriculture and food systems sector, recently announced the addition of four distinguished individuals to its Board of Directors. This strategic move is set to inject fresh perspectives and expertise into the organization’s governance, reinforcing its mission to promote sustainability across agricultural practices worldwide.
A Diverse Quartet of Sustainability Champions
The newly elected board members are celebrated professionals with deep roots in various aspects of sustainability, law, gender equality, and business innovation. Their backgrounds are as follows:
Barbara Fiorito – A Trailblazer in Business and Impact Investing
Barbara Fiorito, known for her dynamic leadership and commitment to integrating technology and human rights with international development, has an extensive background in banking and impact investing. Her prior roles include significant positions within Oxfam America and Fairtrade International, where she championed the causes of fairness and equality.
Jeremy Gottschalk – An Expert in Online Marketplaces and Intellectual Property
With a rich 20-year career, Jeremy Gottschalk brings to the board his comprehensive knowledge of legal strategy, risk management, and regulatory compliance. His pioneering work in understanding the intricacies of online marketplaces and intellectual property rights is set to be a valuable asset for COSA.
Blanca Castro – A Voice for Gender Equality in the Coffee Industry
Hailing from Guatemala, Blanca Castro’s expertise in the international coffee sector and her advocacy for women’s rights position her as a key figure in advancing gender equality within the agricultural domain. As a leading executive at the International Women’s Coffee Alliance, she has shown unwavering dedication to this cause.
Cate Baril – Championing Sustainability in Brand Development
Cate Baril’s career is a testament to her passion for the Fair Trade and organic movements. Having worked with notable brands like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Newman’s Own Organics, Baril’s experience in brand marketing and B2B business development brings a unique perspective on leveraging consumer power for sustainable impact.
Unwavering Commitment to a Sustainable Future
The inclusion of these four visionaries on COSA’s Board of Directors is a significant milestone in the organization’s journey. Their collective expertise spans critical areas essential for advancing COSA’s mission of fostering sustainable agricultural practices and food systems globally. Richard Rogers, Board Chair of COSA, alongside COSA CEO, Liam Brody, expressed their excitement and confidence in the board’s strengthened capacity to lead the organization towards achieving its sustainability goals.
Image provided by COSA
