Darrin Daniel to Assume Executive Director Role at Alliance for Coffee Excellence, Inc

Portland, Oregon USA (January 8, 2017), During the recent meeting held in Portland, Oregon the Board of Directors of The Alliance For Coffee Excellence(ACE) voted unanimously to give Darrin Daniel its top management role. “We knew that we wanted someone with a personal commitment to supporting farmer advancement who was aligned with the mission of ACE and could navigate with both instinct and the kind of insight that can only be gained from long-term experience working closely with both farmers and the marketplace. Darrin brings nearly three decades of coffee industry experience with him with huge respect for the Cup of Excellence program. He’s an amazing fit for the organization and can help it continue clearing pathways for farmers to find success and roasters to connect with quality.” explains Geoff Watts. ACE’s Board Chairman.

Darrin replaces the interim director and founder of the organization, Susie Spindler who returned in mid 2016 at the request of the ACE Board. “I am thrilled that Darrin has accepted this position and believe that the organization’s future is secure in his capable hands.” indicated Spindler. “He brings an incredible understanding and enthusiasm for coffee farmers, high quality coffee and the global specialty coffee sector. All three are at the center of the work of Cup of Excellence, ACE’s premier program,” continued Spindler, who will remain as an advisor.

Daniel, who has supported the Cup of Excellence program both as a judge and a buyer is excited to take the helm. “It is with great honor that I assume the role of Executive Director for the Alliance for Coffee Excellence. Since my first experience as an International Judge in Honduras in 2005, Cup of Excellence has had a special place in my heart and coffee career. I am overjoyed to be able to lead and guide this wonderful organization’s future as we move towards expanding the original 1999 vision.”

About Alliance for Coffee Excellence & Cup of Excellence®
Alliance for Coffee Excellence is a non-profit global membership organization dedicated to advancing excellence in coffee. Cup of Excellence, its premier program has positively affected thousands of farmers with its unmatched focus on and reward for quality and transparency. In 2017 Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Rwanda, Burundi, Colombia and Brazil plan to hold the Cup of Excellence programs. In addition, ACE also has plans for a pilot program in Peru.