THE Kava Coalition, a US-based kava advocacy group, has announced the appointment of agriculturalist, anthropologist and international development professional Douglas La Rose as its new executive director.
“The opportunity to further the mission of the Kava Coalition—a future where kava is understood and accessible—is a personal and professional thrill,” Mr La Rose said.
“This is a watershed moment in a career building partnerships and relationships from farming communities to kava bars, and I’m excited to get to work on behalf of the Kava Coalition’s members and kava consumers everywhere.”
A passionate advocate for kava since founding the blog Kavasseur in 2007, Mr La Rose has since collaborated with kava bars and suppliers to promote kava as a natural means of relaxation and as an alternative to alcohol—efforts that played a key role in popularizing kava in the US and beyond.
“Douglas’ specific experience with kava and general experience in agriculture provides a ready-made trajectory for the Kava Coalition’s continued growth,” said former Kava Coalition executive director Matthew Lowe, who will now serve on its board.
“I echo our membership in my excitement to bring him aboard, knowing that the Coalition’s leadership is in qualified and capable hands.”
Mr La Rose is an agronomist with extensive experience in agricultural development across more than 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and Oceania. He holds an M.A. in applied anthropology from San Diego State University, where his research focused on livelihoods and agricultural adaptations to environmental change in Ghana’s forest-savanna transition zone.
NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated MARCH 22, 2025.
