Familiar name returns to lead SSU’s Wine Business Institute

A familiar name is being welcomed back to the Wine Business Institute (WBI) at Sonoma State University.

Linda Nowak, Ph.D., takes over as interim executive director, it was announced Tuesday.

“We are excited 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 expand WBI’s programs and further its mission to provide cutting-edge education and research for the wine industry.”

“I’m excited to return to the WBI and Sonoma State University,” Nowak said. “I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and Board in continuing to advance WBI’s role as a leader in wine business education and research supporting the growth of future industry professionals,” Nowak said.

Nowak held the job once before, from 2007 to 2010, while she also served as a professor of marketing for the university. She succeeds Ray Johnson, who retired as executive director in May.

She has a Ph.D. in business administration from Saint Louis University, with a major in marketing and a minor in international business. She earned her MBA from Mercer University and her Bachelor of Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.