Advisory Board

VITIS x MUSCADINIA

The Vitis x Muscadinia project Advisory Board includes 14 industry and organization representatives of the diverse sectors of grape production, processing, and distribution across the United States, as well as researchers conducting cutting-edge research in genetics, breeding, and pathology. The Advisory Board will assist in evaluating the progress and impact of activities, including the development and summarization of the annual evaluation and provide stakeholder- and science-driven input and guidance based on project evaluation.

Advisory Board

Jeff Bloodworth with a hat and glasses stands proudly among the lush rows of a vineyard.

Jeff Bloodworth – Grape Breeder

Gardens Alive!
Hillsborough, NC
jbloodworth@gardensalive.com

Donnell Brown with short grey hair wearing a black sweater, exuding a confident and stylish demeanor.

Donnell Brown – President

National Grape Research Alliance
Sacramento, CA
dbrown@graperesearch.org

Matt Clark in a blue shirt stands beside an apple tree, surrounded by lush green foliage and ripe apples.

Matt Clark – Assoc. Prof., Grape Breeder & Project Director

VitisGen3, Univ. MN
Minneapolis, MN
clark776@umn.edu

Felix Cooper wearing a white shirt is seated at a table, appearing engaged in conversation or contemplation.

Felix Cooper – President/CEO

Gardens Alive!
Lawrenceburg, IN
fcooper@gardensalive.com

Peter Cousins in a blue shirt smiles joyfully in front of lush green vines.

Peter Cousins – Grape Breeder & Senior Principal Research Scientist

E.& J. Gallo Winery
Modesto, CA
peter.cousins@ejgallo.com

Katie Gold in glasses and a hat stands amidst lush grapevines in a vineyard, enjoying the serene landscape.

Katie Gold – Assist. Prof., Grape Disease Ecology & Epidemiology

VitisGen3, Cornell Univ.
Geneva, NY
kg557@cornell.edu

Gray silhouette of a person on a light gray background.

Daryl Locklear – Board Member

North Carolina Winegrowers Association
Welcome, NC
dlocklear@locklearwinery.com

Claire Heinitz with long hair stands gracefully in front of a wooden fence, exuding a serene and contemplative presence.

Claire Heinitz – Research Leader and Supervisory Horticulturist

USDA-ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository
Davis, CA
Claire.Heinitz@usda.gov

Laise Moriera in glasses and a hat stands before a tree, showcasing a serene outdoor setting.

Laise Moriera – Director of Plant Breeding

Grapery
Shafter, CA
lmoreira@grapery.biz

Chris Paulk in a suit and glasses smiles warmly, exuding confidence and professionalism.

Chris Paulk – President/CEO

Muscadine Products Company
Wray, GA
chris@muscadineproductsco.com

Dennis Rak wearing a blue shirt and glasses stands in front of a vast green field under a clear sky.

Dennis Rak – Owner

Double A Vineyards
Fredonia, NY
dennis.rak@doubleavineyards.com

Moira Sheehan wearing glasses and a blue shirt, smiling and looking confidently at the camera.

Moira Sheehan – Director

Breeding Insight
Ithaca, NY
moirasheehan@cornell.edu

Keith Striegler with white hair wearing a red and white checkered shirt, smiling and standing against a neutral background.

Keith Striegler – Principle Viticulturist-Grower Outreach

E.& J. Gallo Winery
Modesto, CA
Keith.Striegler@ejgallo.com

Chengyan Yue wearing glasses and a suit jacket stands confidently in front of a lush green plant.

Chengyan Yue – Prof. & Bachman Endowed Chair Hort. Marketing

VitisGen3, Univ. MN
Minneapolis, MN
yuechy@umn.edu

Vitis x Muscadinia Project Advisory Board participation and membership.

If an advisory board member has a conflict with event attendance, the advisory board member may have one proxy represent them in conference calls, virtual meetings, and annual meetings. In terms of board membership, if a permanent revision to the Advisory Board members is needed, the following process will be followed to maintain project cohesion. The candidate will provide: 1) a resume including education and employment background, 2) a statement regarding why they wish to join the board, their unique interests and expertise, and how they will benefit the project, and 3) a statement from a nominating member or agency stating why the candidate should be added to the board. All current Advisory Board members will be notified. The current advisory board members will have one calendar week to object to the addition of the candidate by emailing remarks to the Project Manager. If no objections are received, the candidate will be added to the Advisory Board. If any objections are received, all remarks will be sent anonymously to the Advisory Board and Executive Committee for vote, requiring a ¾ majority of submitted votes to add the candidate to the Advisory Board. There is no appeal, but re-application may be made after 12 months.