January 4, 2024

Washington Wine Industry Foundation

Sara Higgins was named the new executive director of the Washington Wine Industry Foundation. Higgins brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership with a focus on planning, program management, and community outreach. “Sara's energy and drive combined with her nonprofit experience and familiarity with the wine industry are an excellent match for the Foundation,” said Bill Shibley, board chair, and senior agriculture officer, and vice president at Wheatland Bank, Pasco, Higgins is a Washington native, and has previously supported Foundation programs including the Party + Auction friend and fundraiser. As the Foundation's executive director, Higgins is responsible for implementing the board's strategic plan and developing and stewarding donor relations. Since 2002, the Foundation has been awarded over $3 million in grants supporting winemaking and winegrape growing, and awarded $480,000 in scholarships to over 250 viticulture and enology students. As only the second executive director in the organization's history, Higgins follows Vicky Scharlau who led the Foundation since its inception in 2000. Scharlau will continue in an of-counsel position, supporting federal and state grant management. The nonprofit Washington Wine Industry Foundation aims to foster a thriving Washington wine industry by investing scholarships, industry events, and sustainability such as pest control, clean plants, risk management, and safety.