Wash. Grain Commission CEO Tom Mick will retire

"Working for Washington wheat and barley farmers has been the highlight of my career in the grain industry," Mick said. "I'm proud of what we have been able to accomplish as an industry and the leadership role the WGC has taken on issues of national significance."

Mick began his career in the grain industry as an assisstant administrator of the Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee, later rising to the post of administrator. He subsequently spent eight years as director of U.S. Wheat Associate's Southeast Asia office in Singapore followed by two years at its Washington, D.C. headquarters. He was hired by what was then the Washington Wheat Commission in 1987.

Tom Zwainz, chairman of the WGC, praised Mick's tenure as chief executive officer of the WGC.

"Wheat and barley farmers in Washington have been ably served by Tom's leadership. In combination with the board he has created an organization that is the envy of other commissions around the nation," Zwainz said.

Zwainz also commended the executive team Mick has put together at the WGC and the collaboration he has created between the WGC and the Washington Association of Wheat Growers. In 2007, the groups reorganized and Mick was named CEO of the association as well.

Eric Maier, president of WAWG, said Mick's guidance has helped soothe what had been a fractious relationship.

"We are very appreciative of the close cooperation that has followed the reorganization. The WGC and WAWG are working together closely as they ever have in their history, and the results are obvious in what we have been able to accomplish for wheat and barley farmers in the state," he said.

Glen Squires, vice-president of WGC, will serve as interim CEO upon Mick's departure and as the board searches for a replacement. Zwainz said no quick decisions will be made on hiring Mick's replacement.