BARD, the U.S-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund, is pleased to welcome a new member to the BARD Board of Directors, Dr. Wendy Powers. The appointment was confirmed on February 8th, 2024, by the USDA Secretary, Thomas J. Vilsack. Dr. Powers serves as Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University. She has experience leading academic research and outreach programs in animal science and is an experienced academic administrator.
Powers began her career as an assistant professor and extension specialist in animal science at Iowa State University, then moved to Michigan State University, where she served as a full professor in the departments of Animal Science, Biosystems, and Agricultural Engineering, extension specialist, and director of environmental stewardship for animal agriculture in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She was also the first director of the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute for Michigan State University Extension. From 2016 until 2022, Dr. Powers was the Associate Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of California where she provided leadership to Cooperative Extension.
Dr. Powers will join the Board to provide leadership for carrying out BARD’s mission to promote, support and fund mission-oriented, strategic, and applied research of agricultural issues in areas of mutual interest to the U.S and Israel. She replaces Dr. Kathryn Boor, Dean and Vice Provost for graduate education at Cornell University.
Prof. Yoram Kapulnik, BARD’s Executive Director: “We all thank Dr. Boor for her dedicated service as a BARD board member and welcome Dr. Powers. I am confident her knowledge and expertise will greatly contribute to our work.
Over 45 years, BARD has invested a total of $345 million in over 1,450 projects. These have generated hundreds of new agricultural practices, commercial engagements, patents, and breeding rights licences, returning a remarkable $16 for every $1 invested.”
