Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
WSNWCB: Organizational Structure and Board Members
The State Weed Board office is located in Olympia, Washington. The state weed board is composed of 12 volunteer members, five of whom are elected, and seven of whom are appointed. Nine voting members represent county weed programs in all regions of the state, weed districts, county legislative authorities, the public interest, and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Three non-voting members serve as scientific advisors, and they provide expertise in weed identification, control, and aquatic weed species. The state board makes the local investment work for the benefit of the state by providing leadership, direction, and coordination to these local weed boards and districts.
The Executive Secretary acts as chief administrative officer for the State Weed Board. These responsibilities include: the implementation and administration of the administrative rules and policies of the state board; representing the state board before the state legislature; coordinating the educational and weed control efforts statewide; coordinating and maintaining a liaison with the WSDA, public and private agencies; negotiating agreements on behalf of the board; scheduling all regular board meetings and committee meetings; and overseeing budget management. The position requirements are covered further WAC-16-750-145. The Executive Secretary is Alison Halpern.
The Educational Specialist assists the Executive Secretary in the implementation of the policies of the state weed control program. Responsibilities include: research and maintenance of a technical file and herbarium specimen for each weed species; development of educational materials; representing the board to the public, technical audiences, and local weed control programs; supplementing the educational efforts of local weed control programs. The Educational Specialist is currently vacant.
The Executive Assistant provides office and field support to the Executive Secretary and the Educational Specialist. Other responsibilities include: updating the directories, scheduling the educational exhibits and GPS units; collecting and writing articles for the newsletter, attending board meetings, and distributing information to county weed boards and weed districts. Cindy Orr is the Executive Assistant and can be reached at (360) 725-5764.