Coffee Quality Institute appoints new CEO

The United States-based Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) has appointed Dr Tina Yerkes as its new Chief Executive Officer. “I am honoured and excited to have been chosen to lead CQI into its next phase. There is a great deal of passion in the CQI staff and board, and I am convinced we will grow programs and partnerships significantly over the next several years as we strive for greater impact on coffee quality and the farming communities who depend on this industry for their livelihoods,” Yerkes said. Yerkes has spent her entire career in the non-profit world, working in a diversity of settings from small grassroots organisations to large global entities. Her experience spans education, research, environmental conservation, and global third-party certification in the water industry. Read more: Emerging trends in processing In addition, CQI announced that David Roche, who served as Executive Director for the organisation for more than six years, is moving into the newly created role of International Programs Director. “I have been working with the board in selecting Tina as the CEO and feel that she is an excellent complement to our talented staff. The role of International Programs Director will allow me to dedicate time to our innovative technical programs as CQI becomes increasingly relevant to the industry,” Roche says. “I am excited to lead this work while Tina focuses on strategic growth, business development, and worldwide advocacy.” Samantha Veide, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says the two appointments will support CQI’s growth and industry impact. “We are at a critical moment in our journey as an organisation and believe that Tina will bring the skills and talent needed to successfully implement our strategy and take advantage of the market opportunities to move us ahead,” Veide says. “Simultaneously, we are excited to further leverage David's passion, dedication to the organisation and technical expertise to grow our international programs.”