Dr. Sara Spayd of North Carolina State University was confirmed by the Board as president of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV). She will lead the 12-member board to build on the success of Past President Patty Saldivar, St. Helena, California. Leticia Chacón-Rodriguez, winemaker at Treasury Wine Estates in St.Helena, California, was confirmed as first vice president and James Kennedy of California State University, Fresno, was elected second vice president. Jim Harbertson of Washington State University continues as the fourth executive committee member and secretary-treasurer.

“After a decade of serving this board, I am humbled and honored to be able to lead a committed group of individuals into ASEV’s next chapter,” said Spayd. “Patty Saldivar’s leadership and dedication encouraged innovation and a strong sense of community among the outstanding individuals on the board, and I hope to expand on her successes.”

Spayd has been an ASEV member and volunteer since 1980. She served as first vice president in 2010–2011, second vice president in 2009–2010 and secretary-treasurer from 2004 to 2009. Since 2006, she has worked at North Carolina State University as a professor and extension viticulture specialist. She will lead the ASEV board with a focus on relevance and value for its membership through topic-specific programs, publication technology and overall program development for the National Conference and Unified Symposium.

Matthew Fidelibus of the University of California, Davis, and John Thorngate of Constellation Wines U.S. in St. Helena, California, are newly elected directors. Lise Asimont of Francis Ford Coppola Presents, Kristen Barnhisel of Handley Cellars, John Clark of The Wine Group and Patty Skinkis of Oregon State University round out the 2011–12 slate of directors. Linda Bisson continues to serve as science editor and Andrew Walker, technical program director, is organizing the new technical program committee.

ASEV is a nonprofit professional society dedicated to the interests of enologists, viticulturists and others in the fields of wine and grape research and production throughout the world. Membership includes professionals from wineries, vineyards, academic institutions and regional organizations. More information on the ASEV, its programs and annual meeting can be found online at www.asev.org.