Kate VandenBosch, outgoing dean of the University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, announced the appointment of Erin Silva as the director of the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) for a three-year term. Silva, who holds the Clif Bar Endowed Chair in Organic Agriculture and Outreach, is an associate professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and an Extension organic agriculture specialist.

As director, Silva will oversee operations of the center and work closely with the center’s governance committee to set priorities for research and outreach activities and attract external funding. Silva will also work closely with the center’s Citizen’s Advisory Council and steward other partnerships with stakeholders, donors and funding organizations.

For more on her appointment, please see the formal announcement.

The staff wish to thank outgoing interim director Michel Wattiaux for his efforts on our behalf during this time of transition.