Board of Directors
The STAA Board of Directors is comprised of nine directors serving three-year terms. One-third of the directors are elected each year at the annual meeting from among the Association’s active members. No two directors can be representatives of the same active member.
Ex officio directors appointed for one-year terms. They are (1) the executive vice president of the Arizona Crop Improvement Association, (2) a representative of the College of Agriculture at the University of Arizona and (3) a representative of the Arizona Department of Agriculture. The immediate past president is an ex officio member if his or her term as a board member has expired during that year of service.
Officer elections are held at a special board meeting following director elections. A second vice president, a secretary and a treasurer are elected annually. The incumbent first vice president/president elect and second vice president are each elevated to the next position in the rotation.
The officers form an executive committee that conducts Association affairs between meetings of the full board.
Welcome Letter
Dear Members, Community Leaders, and Guests,
My name is Christian Drye. It is with great pleasure and humility that I extend a warm welcome to you all as the President of the Seed Trade Association of Arizona. I have had the privilege of spending 10 years in the Ag industry. I started with a farming operation out of college and quickly moved over to the seed side of the business by joining Monsanto-Seminis Vegetable Seeds as a Desert Southwest Vegetable Sales Representative based out of Yuma, Arizona. During my last eight-year career; Monsanto was purchased by Bayer, I achieved my MBA with an emphasis in Leadership, married my beautiful wife Kailea, adopted our Chocolate Lab Ruby, and welcomed our son, Branson. It goes without saying that this industry has been the most rewarding career of my life. George Washington said it best, “Agriculture is the most Healthful, most Useful, and most Noble employment of man.”
Agriculture in our great state is not just a livelihood, but a legacy deeply rooted in our history and culture. Arizona’s unique climate and diverse landscapes present both challenges and opportunities, and it is through our collective dedication and innovation that we continue to thrive. As stewards of the land, we understand the importance of sustainable practices and the vital role that seed plays in ensuring food security, environmental conservation, and economic prosperity for generations to come.
Together, we are entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing Arizona’s agricultural industry, fostering collaboration among growers, researchers, and policymakers, and advancing the interests of our members. As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the spirit of cooperation, resilience, and progress, knowing that our efforts today will yield a brighter tomorrow for Arizona agriculture. I am excited to work alongside each of you in the pursuit of excellence and the advancement of our shared vision. Welcome to the Seed Trade Association of Arizona – where seeds of opportunity are sown, cultivated, and harvested for the betterment of our communities and our world.
Thank you for your interest in STAA. If you are interested in becoming a member or if there is any way we can serve you or answer questions, please reach out to myself or the Board of Directors. Hope to connect with you soon!.
Christian Drye
2024-2025 President of the Seed Trade Association of Arizona