News

MPGA Announces New Staff

For Immediate Release

Carman, MB – Manitoba Pulse Growers Association is pleased to announce that Francois Labelle has accepted the position of Executive Director for the grower association. Labelle has been serving as the Interim Executive Director over the past year, and will replace previous Executive Director, Roxanne Lewko, who has been on maternity leave since mid January 2014.

“Over the past year, Francois has provided valuable leadership and expertise to the association and MPGA’s Board of Directors is extremely pleased that he has agreed to continue on as Executive Director,” says Kyle Friesen, President of MPGA.

“I have been involved with MPGA since its inception in 1984 and as Executive Director, I am looking forward to continuing to help move the association forward,” says Labelle.

Labelle has significant experience in the grain industry having been involved in various aspects of production, marketing and processing of pulse crops for 35 years. Throughout his career, he has been active on various boards including Prairie Fruit Growers Association, Canadian Special Crops Association, and Pulse Canada and was a founding director of the Manitoba Pulse Growers Association.

Returning from maternity leave, Roxanne Lewko will be filling MPGA’s new role of Research Program Coordinator.

“MPGA is excited to have Roxanne returning to the association in this new capacity. Our research program continues to grow and with her knowledge and experience in the pulse industry, she will be an asset in moving the program forward,” says Friesen.

“Returning to MPGA to coordinate and manage the extensive research program is a great opportunity for me. The increasing number of projects and the scope of the research makes me excited to be part of the process that benefits both our grower members and the agricultural industry,” says Lewko.

Contact Information:
Manitoba Pulse Growers Association Inc.
(204) 745-6488
www.manitobapulse.ca
Donna@manitobapulse.ca