Organic Trade Association names new CEO, executive director

Chapman replaces outgoing CEO and Executive Director Laura Batcha who late last year announced her decision to leave the association. Batcha joined the staff of OTA in 2008 and has served as CEO and executive director for nine years.

“I couldn’t imagine a better, more experienced person for this role than Tom,” Batcha said. “Tom has been contributing to the advancement of the organic industry for nearly 20 years, and has led many different aspects of the work, which gives him a great sense of the entire organic tapestry. With Tom at the helm and working alongside our capable staff and dedicated members, OTA and organic will continue to thrive.”

Chapman has a long history of service to the organic industry including a five-year stint on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). He has helped to advance certification and compliance, successfully managed global supply chains and managed multi-million-dollar contracts. He has worked closely with diverse brands, growers and other organic stakeholders. He has significant experience building relationships from the ground up and nurturing public-private partnerships. Chapman is also a skilled policy setter with years of experience at both the state and national levels.

Most recently, Chapman served as senior director of supply chain at Kinder’s Sauce and Seasoning. Prior to that, he worked with OTA members Clif Bar and Quality Assurance International. He’s also served as a board member with OTA members Mercaris and California Certified Organic Farmers, as NOSB Chair from 2015-2020, and as a member of the California Organic Products Advisory Committee at the California Department of Agriculture from 2007-2016.

“I am honored to be joining the Organic Trade Association,” Chapman said. “More and more, Americans are looking for products that protect the environment, that make positive impacts on climate change and that enhance their communities – choosing organic achieves all that and more. I am thrilled to be leading an organization with such incredible staff who are ready to champion organic causes on behalf of our members.”