Ms. Linda M. Chimenti, who has served as the Executive Vice President of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) since February 2013, will be retiring effective May 31, 2015, to pursue other interests and spend more time with family. By that time, Ms. Chimenti will have served CAST with distinction for 14.5 years, in a succession of roles with increasing responsibility including Managing Scientific Editor and Chief Operating Officer.

During her time with CAST, Ms. Chimenti has overseen the publication of 85 scientific publications as well as numerous annual reports, an expanding collection of Spanish translations, and two special history documents.

During her tenure as Executive Vice President, Ms. Chimenti initiated the development of a new publication series, Ag QuickCASTs, to provide easy online access to CAST documents. These publications have received enthusiastic support from CAST stakeholders and legislative staffers in D.C. who need accurate information quickly. She worked with the CAST staff to enhance the impact tracking for new CAST publications through more-detailed reports and online metrics. And she worked in partnership with the CAST Board of Directors to establish new committees responsible for Governance, Membership, and Investment Management.

Ms. Chimenti and the staff have focused attention on membership, which has increased in recent years, with several new organizations joining CAST at the Board level. The CAST Board of Directors is extremely grateful for everything she has done for CAST and for agriculture, and wishes her well on her retirement.