The Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) board has announced Cindy Finneseth as KHC’s new executive director.
“On behalf of all the Kentucky Horticulture Council members, we’d like to welcome Cindy as the next executive director,” said Todd Ryan, KHC chairman and owner of Valley Hill Nurseries in Springfield, KY. “Cindy has a unique set of skills and experience to provide the leadership and vision needed for KHC to continue to promote horticulture within the state. Our member organizations face many challenges in a complex and dynamic industry. Cindy will be perfect for recognizing our needs and
directing our resources for maximum results.”
“KHC is important in helping develop economic opportunities, facilitating effective dialog regarding relevant legislative and regulatory issues, educating the public about our industry, and influencing the direction of horticulture research and education programs that benefit our industry,” Finneseth said. “I look forward to supporting the expanding number of specialty crop operations across the state.”
Dr. Finneseth comes to KHC after working at the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD), where she assisted producers in launching and expanding agribusinesses as well as determining enterprise feasibility and funding strategies.
“Production of food, value-added products, and non-food crops as well as businesses providing turf and landscape services, creates jobs in both our rural and urban communities,” Finneseth said. “Kentucky horticultural enterprises are known for producing and delivering high quality products and services.”
According to Mac Stone of Elmwood Stock Farm in Scott County and chair of the Organic Association of Kentucky, “Cindy’s energy and excitement for horticulture will help weave the industry together and cultivate new opportunities for Kentucky producers.”
Finneseth is a native of Whitley County and a graduate of the University of Kentucky. At KHC, she will draw on her academic background in plant and soil science and prior work at the university and in private industry focused on implementing innovative technologies and educational programs to improve assessment of seed quality and productivity in field production and post-harvest handling.
The Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) is a 501(c)-5 non-profit organization established to support specialty crop grower groups in Kentucky. KHC is supported through grants and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. To learn more, contact KHC at 859-490-0889 or info@kyhortcouncil.org.