Gina Bianco Assumes New Role at OWB

My Latest in Wine Business Monthly:

Gina Bianco Assumes New Role as Oregon Wine Board Executive Director

by L.M. Archer

 

Portland, OR. – Portland, OR. – The Oregon Wine Board (OWB) has elected a new executive director. Gina Bianco assumes her new role on February 1, 2024.

Bianco earlier served as executive director of Rogue Valley Vintners Association (RVVA). Southern Oregon’s RVVA includes Bear Creek, Rogue, Applegate, and Illinois valleys, and Applegate Valley AVA.

“As a member of the board of directors of the Rogue Valley Vintners Association (RVVA), I have worked closely with Gina for several years,” says Craig Camp, general manager for Troon Vineyard in Applegate Valley. “She is a dynamic professional who will push Brand Oregon forward in the marketplace.”

OWB Search

The OWB oversees marketing, research, and educational programs promoting the Oregon wine industry. Oregon established the quasi-independent OWB in 1983. Nine governor-appointed, volunteer board members serve the self-funded nonprofit. Appointed each January 1st, members hold staggered, three-year terms.

The OWB also oversee its management staff, including OWB’s executive director. Outgoing OWB executive director Tom Danowski recently retired after a 12-year tenure.

“As OWB directors set about the task of hiring the organization’s next executive director, we all agreed that the process must be inclusive and transparent,” explains Justin King, National Sales Manager, King Estate Winery, and OWB Chair Emeritus.

In response, the OWB board formed a search committee. The search committee comprised four board members, and three “at large” industry stakeholders. (A joint nominating committee of the Oregon Winegrowers Association (OWA), and Oregon Wine Council (OWC) helped select the industry stakeholders.)

The search committee also hired a third-party search consultant to help determine finalists.

Bianco beat out 87 other applicants for the position. “She stood out as someone who could step up to the plate in any environment, build consensus, and address challenges and opportunities,” says Dr. Greg Jones, CEO of Abacela, and current  OWB board chair.

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