Davis, Calif., February 27, 2015…After more than three decades of leadership, Lyndie Boulton will retire as executive director of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) at the end of June. The ASEV Board has appointed Assistant Executive Director Dan Howard to assume management of the 2,000 member organization as the new executive director.

“Working with the amazing members and volunteers that steer this vital organization has been a tremendous privilege and very gratifying. After 34 years of managing the day-to-day operations, it’s the appropriate time for new leadership,” says Boulton.

In addition to providing robust forums for the exchange of technical information with international participation, ASEV, under Boulton’s direction,  publishes the highly esteemed American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (AJEV) and hosts the Society’s National Conference in June. During her tenure, ASEV was also a partner in the creation of and management of the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, the Western Hemisphere’s largest wine and winegrape show of its kind.

“While the decision to retire was complex, the Board’s confirmation to promote Dan Howard to the executive director’s position makes it much easier. Having worked side-by-side with Dan on so many ASEV successes, I know that the Society will be well poised under his direction to move forward and continue to serve the membership and the industry,” Boulton said.

A business major with a concentration in management, Howard has played a vital role in all of ASEV’s successes. He is a critical part of ASEV and has co-managed ASEV operations with Boulton since he assumed the assistant executive director role in 1996. His expertise in accounting, technology, customer service and general business management has contributed to the Society’s ongoing success.

Howard’s years of experience include interfacing directly with the ASEV Board of Directors in the governance and fiscal management of ASEV. He has played a key role in the overall operations of ASEV and the Unified Symposium, and is the anchor staff member for technological development, the website, communications and all member services inclusive of the AJEV.

“Having the opportunity to work under Lyndie’s tutelage has been invaluable. I look forward to carrying on her stewardship and working closely with the Board to explore new opportunities to expand the mission and value of ASEV. I’m excited to play a role in building on the impressive platform Lyndie, the Board and hundreds of dedicated member volunteers have built over the last 65 years,” Howard said.

Howard will officially assume the executive director role in April. Boulton plans to continue to work on a part-time basis through June to ensure a smooth transition.

Formed in 1950 as a professional society dedicated to the interests of enologists, viticulturists and others in the fields of wine and grape research and production, the ASEV’s membership of 2,000 includes professionals from wineries, vineyards, and academic institutions and organizations.  For more information, visit www.asev.org.