Big changes are happening at the National Onion Association (NOA) as it welcomes a new staff member and prepares for the retirement of another next year.
René Hardwick has joined the NOA as its director of public and industry relations. Hardwick replaces Kim Reddin, who accepted a position at Colorado Corn in February.
“I know I have some big shoes to fill,” Hardwick said, noting Reddin’s 13 years at the NOA. “I look forward to continuing her efforts and adding a few new layers of social media to put NOA’s story further out into cyberspace while remembering how we got here.”
Hardwick brings a background in journalism, having worked at the Greeley Tribune in Greeley, Colorado, for 23 years. Most recently, she was the managing editor for the company’s niche publications sector, as well as the Tribune’s business editor.
Hardwick is pursuing her master’s degree in communications management at the University of Denver. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Metropolitan State University of Denver.
“Her extensive experience in journalism and managing communications, coupled with her business and multi-platform media savvy, are expected to fit right into the association’s public and industry relations goals and needs,” said Wayne Mininger, NOA’s executive vice president.
Meanwhile, Mininger has announced his plans to retire in April 2019. The NOA has begun a national search for a new executive vice president. Mininger has been at the helm of the NOA for nearly 33 years.
