Alexandria, Virginia, USA
September 22, 2011

The American Seed Trade Association elected Blake Curtis of Clovis, New Mexico, as first vice chairman of its Board of Directors for the 2011/12 fiscal year.

Curtis is senior vice-president of Curtis and Curtis, Inc., a family owned agricultural business in Eastern New Mexico. Curtis & Curtis, Inc. was established in 1956 to supply native grass seeds for a rapidly expanding market in the southwestern United States.

"Blake has been very politically active at the state level and serving his local community," says Andy LaVigne, ASTA president and chief executive officer. "We are fortunate that Blake agreed to serve in this capacity. His ability to articulate complex issues and explain their potential implication is one of many characteristics Blake possesses that makes him a great leader."

He has served as president of the New Mexico State Seed Association and is currently serving under Gubernatorial as a board member of the New Mexico Finance Authority. Previously Curtis served as ASTA's regional vice president for the South, which includes New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.

"The issues at hand are increasingly complex and it is critical to our future that we have an effective association that can make sure the needs of our industry are heard and understood by our audiences around the world," Curtis says. "I will do my best to fulfill the role of this office and partner with ASTA staff to carry out our mission at the highest possible level."

Curtis attended the Universidad Interamericana in Mexico for a semester with an emphasis on language and multicultural preparation. Afterward, he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1982 from Eastern New Mexico University.

Curtis served as a New Mexico State Legislator from 1986-1995. During this time, he served as Minority Caucus Chair, Minority Whip and Minority Leader. Following his service to the state legislature, Curtis was appointed and served on the New Mexico Fair Commission from 1995-2001. In addition, he was selected as a member of the New Mexico State University Board of Regents in 2006 and has served as secretary, vice chair and chair during his tenure. Curtis has also served in numerous social and cultural service roles throughout his lifetime including board member and chair of the Clovis Curry County Balloon Fiesta Committee and president of the Clovis Curry County Chamber of Commerce.

He is married to Terri and has two grown sons and several grandchildren.

Website: http://www.betterseed.org/

Published: September 23, 2011