Grain commission chief to retire after 25 years

Tom Mick, chief executive officer of the Washington Grain Commission, announced he will retire June 30 after 25 years at the helm.

“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 as an assistant administrator of the Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee where he later became 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.

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

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

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