Dr. Christian Butzke of Purdue University has been confirmed as president of the 2009-2010 American Society of Enology and Viticulture (ASEV). He will lead the 12-member board to build on the success of Opus One’s Michael Silacci, the immediate past president. Patty Saldivar, viticultural consultant, was also confirmed as first vice president and Dr. Sara Spayd of North Carolina State University was elected second vice president.

“It has been an honor and pleasure working with Michael Silacci and to follow in his footsteps as the next ASEV president,” said Butzke. “His leadership fostered sophistication and innovation among the outstanding and dedicated individuals on the board.”

Christian Butzke, a former commercial winemaker, has been the enology professor at Purdue University’s Department of Food Science since 2005. He will lead the ASEV board as it works to enhance relevance and value for its membership through continually evolving programs, publications and special events. Butzke, a member of ASEV since 1993, has served five years on the board of directors and on almost every committee within the Society. He has also organized various successful ASEV and Unified Symposium program events, including the recent Cabernet Symposium in Napa, California.

John Clark of The Wine Group was re-elected as director and Patty Skinkis of Oregon State University is a new director. Thomas Collins of Foster’s Wine Estates Americas vacated his director position as he was appointed secretary/treasurer to complete the term previously held by Sara Spayd. Peter Cousins of U.S. Department of Agriculture/Cornell (New York) and Jim Harbertson of Washington State University will continue as directors. Steve Kupina has resigned as Technical Projects Committee (TPC) Director due to professional redirection outside the industry, and the board will address this vacancy in August as well as the director position.

The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) is a non-profit professional society dedicated to the interests of enologists, viticulturists and others in the fields of wine and grape research and production throughout the world. Membership includes professionals from wineries, vineyards, academic institutions and regional organizations. More information on the ASEV, its programs and annual meeting can be found online at www.asev.org.