Wine commission director resigns for personal reasons

The Washington Wine Commission’s new executive director has resigned.

Jane Baxter Lynn is leaving the commission after six months for personal reasons, according to a news release. Baxter Lynn worked for 25 years in public relations and served as executive director for the Long Island Wine Council before she was hired in August.

In her short time as head of the commission, Baxter Lynn helped launch the commission’s new statewide campaign “Washington State, the Perfect Climate for Wine.” The pitch is designed to promote the state’s wine regions and draw more tourism to Spokane, Walla Walla, the Columbia Valley and Western Washington. The Washington wine industry brings more than $2.4 billion to the state’s economy and is the second largest wine industry in the country, behind California.

The Washington Wine Commission’s former executive director, Steve Burns, will serve as interim director while there is a new search to fill the position.

Baxter Lynn’s resignation will not have an effect on any of the Washington Wine Commission’s upcoming events, including the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards and Taste Washington Spokane.

Tickets for Taste Washington Spokane are now on sale. It will be held June 5 at the Davenport Hotel and will feature 105 Washington wineries and 30 regional restaurants.

This is the fourth year for the event, and it will include a new fresh seafood bar with Washington state white wines that pair well with seafood and fish.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Washington State University Viticulture and Enology program and the School of Hospitality Business Management. A portion of profits will also be given to the Davenport District Arts board.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at www.tastewashington.org.