Organic Trade Association expands leadership team

Co-CEOs Tom Chapman and Matthew Dillon will take organic into a new era

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) recently announced the new leadership team of co-CEOs Tom Chapman and Matthew Dillon. Reflecting the expanding vision of the trade association and the increasing opportunities and potential in the organic sector, Chapman and Dillon will combine their deep sets of expertise and seasoned perspectives to continue to push organic forward.

“Tom and Matthew are truly a dynamic duo with a history of success as well as partnership, and they are poised and eager to accelerate the work of the trade association and to help us reach our strategic objectives,” said Tracy Favre, President of OTA’s Board of Directors. “Moving to co-CEOs broadens OTA’s ability to effectively represent our members in the growing and evolving organic sector.  The timing is right for this change, and the entire Board of Directors is supportive of this evolution in our leadership.”

Chapman and Dillon bring an impressive depth and breadth of leadership to OTA. Collectively they have more than four decades of experience in organic across the industry, including farming, seed sector, supply chain, consumer packaged goods, certification and regulation and government affairs. With the upcoming announcements of the first USDA Organic Marketing Development grant recipients, the trade association’s continued work as a lead cooperator for USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program, and a Farm Bill worth fighting for, Chapman and Dillon’s leadership will ensure OTA is well positioned to support the continued growth and improvement of the organic sector.

Chapman joined the trade association in April 2022 as CEO, bringing 20 years of industry experience with expertise in policy, organic certification and organic supply chains. Starting his career at Quality Assurance International, he went on to lead the management of supply chains at Kinder’s Premium Sauces and Seasonings, Clif Bar & Company, and Numi Organic Tea. As OTA’s co-CEO, Chapman will lead the association’s regulatory and technical affairs work, oversee the development of association programs and products, and will be responsible for operations and financial management.

Dillon was raised in an agricultural family and community in Nebraska and has held diverse roles in organic food and farming, working from seed to shelf. He headed Abundant Life Seed, one of the first certified seed companies in the U.S. and founded Organic Seed Alliance. He worked for over ten years at Clif Bar & Company in several roles including Vice President of Impact and Government Affairs. He most recently served as Chief Sustainability Officer for organic poultry producer Farmer Focus. As co-CEO for OTA, Dillon will oversee the organization’s public relations, policy agenda, member engagement and fundraising.

Organic & Non-GMO Insights February 2024