Governor Kate Brown has appointed a new member to the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon). David Gremmels, President of Rogue Creamery, an artisan cheese company that produces some of the finest cheeses in the world, will join the commission on July 1.
David has been President of Rogue Creamery since 2002 and is a leader in promoting and supporting sustainable and organic agriculture and Oregon’s producers, makers and growers.
In 2019, Rogue River Blue made history in Bergamo Italy when it was crowned Best Cheese in the World at the World Cheese Awards. David is the former President and Chairman of the American Cheese Society, and current Ambassadeur, Secretary and Treasurer of the North American Chapter of the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers – Confrérie de Saint-Uguzon. In 2012, 2016 and 2021 David was appointed to the Governor’s Sustainability Board of Oregon. David also serves as an advisory board member for Oregon State University’s Food Science, Technology and Engineering Department. He led the creation and development of the Central Point’s Artisan Corridor in 2003 and the Oregon Cheese Festival in 2006 attracting thousands of visitors annually. David grew up on a farm in the Pacific Northwest and received his Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing from Pacific Lutheran University in 2003.
David will replace Commissioner Don Anway, Chief Operating Officer of the Neuman Hotel Group who has served on the commission since 2014. Travel Oregon would like to thank Don for his years of service and dedication to the Oregon Tourism Commission.
Governor Brown has also reappointed Maria Ponzi, former Owner and President of Ponzi Vineyards, to the commission for another four-year term. Travel Oregon is thrilled to retain Maria’s expertise and looks forward to welcoming David Gremmels and his unique industry perspectives and insights.