While we were sad to say goodbye to our long-time board member and photographer extraordinaire Brian Markham (who is happily retiring), we are excited to welcome the newest addition to our HGSA Board of Directors: Mary Gomane. Mary, currently the Sales Manager at Condor Seed Production, has been in the garden industry for over 20 years and brings along a fresh perspective to our board. Mary was kind enough to answer some questions for us on her experience in the industry, her favorite flowers (there are many), and what she’s looking forward to doing while on the HGSA board of directors.

How Did You Get Your Start In The Seed Industry?

“In 1995 I started working seasonally at Johnny’s Selected Seeds in Maine in the call center. At the time, people thought I was crazy to go work for a bunch of ‘hippies’ on a farm. But my love of gardening lured me there and I’m so glad I went! I loved working and growing at Johnny’s. As the company grew and expanded I was promoted to many different areas: Buyer, Purchasing Manager, and Inventory Control and Quality Manager. Eventually when the company became employee owned, I also became a Trustee for the ESOP Trust which was a big financial responsibility. In 2015 Renee Shepherd lured me to California and I worked with her at Renee’s Garden Seeds for three years in Purchasing and Inventory Management. Then, in 2018 I moved to Yuma AZ, and became Sales Manager of Condor Seed Production.”

What Do You Love Most About Working In the Seed Industry?

“I love working in an industry that is sustainable and life giving. Seeds are little bundles of life! Each time a seed germinates it’s a tiny miracle. I just love it! Another benefit is the global travel.”

What Is Your Favorite Flower Or Veggie?

“My love is flowers. For sure. Any flowers. I have always loved growing flowers and my dream job would be to have a greenhouse and grow flowers (I suppose I’d have to grow veggies too!).”

What Are You Looking Forward To On The HGSA Board?

“I have had some great seed industry experience ranging from home garden, to small commercial growers, to large processors, and now with seed production. It’s a pretty well rounded perspective of the seed industry. I’m happy to share my knowledge with others and hope to pick up some more knowledge from my fellow board members along the way.”

Welcome aboard, Mary. We’re excited to work with you!