The California Association of Winegrape Growers announced in a news release the appointment of Natalie Collins as interim president. She replaces John Aguirre who retired May 31.

“CAWG is very happy to have Natalie in this role,” Tom Slater, CAWG chairman, said in the release. “She has been a part of the CAWG family for many years, and her insight and dedication to the association are well received.”

Collins joined CAWG in 2015 as the director of member relations. She is a graduate of California State University, Chico with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and minors in organizational communications and business administration. Prior to joining CAWG, she was a program director for the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation and a 2015 graduate of the Leadership Farm Bureau program.

“I look forward to continuing the legacy of strong leadership and advocacy on behalf of our growers,” Collins said in the release. “Winegrape growers in California today are facing unprecedented challenges, and I take seriously CAWG’s leadership role in this iconic industry.”

—by Jonelle Mejica