As chairwoman of the PIE Center Advisory Board, I am honored to contribute to a group of people focused on extending the PIE Center’s research and outreach programs and providing the strategic insight needed to succeed in the challenging climate facing agriculture and natural resources.
Ultimately, policymakers should look to the PIE Center to make informed decisions about the difficult issues facing agriculture, natural resources and beyond. As the PIE Center grows to attain national and even global significance, the advisory board aims to provide a clear focus and the resources required to cement the PIE Center’s reputation for providing relevant, practical and unbiased information to preserve agricultural and natural assets.
“PIE Center research and outreach materials have strategic value beyond Florida’s borders. It’s gratifying to be part of such an impressive group of people who are united in supporting the PIE Center and its mission to share knowledge and expertise to key audiences around the country.” — Ray Gilmer, United Fresh Produce Association
Advisory board members representing private businesses, government agencies, public organizations and academia, gathered in Gainesville in mid-October for the board’s inaugural meeting. The ambitious and talented faculty, staff and students at the PIE Center inspire us to take an active role in shaping the PIE Center’s bright future. Tracy Irani did a tremendous job cultivating the PIE Center and its team — we wish her well in her new role as department chair and look forward to another strong partnership with her replacement.
Following a few conference calls, the advisory board assembled in Gainesville again in March to take the first steps in creating the framework for a new strategic plan, goals and objectives to guide and measure the PIE Center’s success throughout the next five years. Although we will not finalize these documents until October, the PIE Center team continues to be a reliable and treasured source of valuable, research-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing agricultural and natural resources issues. We look forward to seeing the incredible future of the PIE Center and its role in providing the best information to develop good public policy and informed decisions.
Warm regards,
Jeanna Mastrodicasa
UF Assistant Vice President
Student Affairs
