Wine Business Institute appoints interim executive director

A familiar name returns to the Wine Business Institute (WBI) at Sonoma State University.

As announced Tuesday, Dr. Linda Nowak will serve as interim executive director.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Nowak back to Sonoma State University,” said Dean Elisabeth Wade of the College of Science, Technology and Business. “Her leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to advance WBI programs and advance WBI’s mission of providing cutting-edge education and research to the wine industry.”

“I am excited to return to WBI and Sonoma State University,” Nowak said. “I look forward to working with faculty, staff and management to further strengthen WBI’s role as a leader in wine business education and research that supports the development of future industry professionals,” Nowak said.

Nowak held this position once, in the years 2007-2010, while also serving as a university professor of marketing. He replaces Ray Johnson, who retired as executive director in May.

He has a Ph.D. earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Louis University, with a minor in marketing and a minor in international business. She earned an MBA from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.