Andrew Gomez was born and raised in Southern California. He was awarded a scholarship to play soccer in college and completed four years at the University of Mount Saint Vincent in Bronx, New York. Andrew graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business and Marketing. Currently, Andrew is an Operations Manager at GreenFruit Avocados, a Mexican/Colombian avocado grower, packer, and importer/exporter.

In his job position, Andrew oversees the end-to-end operations of the GreenFruit Avocados Colombian avocado supply chain, focusing on sourcing, importing, receiving and warehousing. His passion for sustainability, sourcing, and building strong partnerships throughout this process supports GreenFruit Avocados’ mission in striving for innovation and premium quality avocados year-round. Andrew is eager and excited to be a part of the BOLD Class 5, as he aims to develop key leadership skills, learn more about the industry, expand his network, and collaborate with like-minded peers. He believes that through this BOLD program, he will be able to contribute to building and mentoring strong individuals that will make an impact on the avocado industry.

Antonio Villaseñor is a third-generation avocado producer at Aztecavo, an avocado packing house based in Uruapan, Michoacan. He has been involved in the avocado industry since he was in junior high school. Antonio studied at Tecnologico de Monterrey Campus GDL, located in Zapopan, Jalisco, graduating with a major in Global Business. After college, he focused more on his position and goals at the company. He is currently the Domestic Sales Director at Aztecavo. Antonio is interested in BOLD program due to the networking opportunities, industry knowledge growth, and learning from the other BOLD Class 5 participants.

Aurora Rico is a Procurement Supply Manager at Mission Produce, Inc. in Oxnard, California. She graduated from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science, and Anthropology and Geography, with a minor in Latin American Studies. After graduation, Aurora brought her regional expertise and negotiation skills to the Mexico Sourcing team at Mission Produce as an Administrator. Six years later, she now helps lead at Mission Produce’s Mexico Sourcing strategy as Procurement Supply Manager. Aurora is passionate about promoting the Hass Avocado category and exploring innovative ways for growth in a sustainable way. She is eager to join the BOLD Class 5 and collaborate with fellow emerging leaders committed to shaping the future of the industry.

Carlos Londoño is the Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at Jardín Exotics SAS, a Colombian company exporting Hass avocados and gulupa. With over a decade of experience in agribusiness, Carlos has worked closely with small-scale producers to build long-term, sustainable partnerships and facilitate access to international markets. His background in Agroindustrial Engineering and passion for rural development have shaped his entrepreneurial approach, combining profitability with purpose. By joining the BOLD Class 5, Carlos hopes to connect with others who believe the avocado industry can grow by generating value at source and doing things right.

Carmen Puerta works as a Sales Key Account Manager at Camposol, supporting the Commercial Development Department with sales planning, logistics coordination, and account growth. She plays a key role in expanding the client portfolio and retail presence in the U.S. market. Originally from Venezuela, Carmen holds a degree in Computer Engineering from UCAB (Universidad Católica Andrés Bello). After moving to the U.S. seven years ago, Carmen discovered her passion for the produce industry and now applies both her technical and commercial experience to help drive growth and innovation.

Selected for the BOLD Class 5 Program, Carmen is committed to growing as a leader in the avocado industry and contributing meaningfully to the Hass Avocado Board and the industry’s future.

Carson McDaniel grew up spending summers working at his family's avocado packinghouse, McDaniel Fruit Company, which has been operating out of Fallbrook, California for more than 65 years. He now represents the company's third generation of leadership in his role as Vice President. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, Carson briefly pursued a career in finance before rejoining the family business permanently. Over the years at McDaniel Fruit, Carson has had hands-on experience in nearly every department. This exposure has helped guide his decision making in his role where he is responsible for developing and executing the company's strategic plans for grower relations, sales, operations and infrastructure. A long advocate for industry leadership development, Carson is ecstatic to be able to participate in BOLD Class 5 program and collaborate with his avocado peers.

Eduardo Soto is the Chief Executive Officer at SV Fresh Avocados in Michoacan, Mexico, a family-owned company dedicated to the growing, packing, and export of the highest quality Mexican avocados. Guided by the company’s vision, values, principles, and acting with environmental and social responsibility, SV Fresh Avocados strives every day to be a leading company in avocado exports, while respecting and protecting the environment, as well as supporting their growers and collaborators.

SV Fresh Avocados orchards are certified by Global GAP and Fairtrade, enabling them to produce avocados with greater impact and benefits for their team and their communities.

Eduardo is truly excited to be part of the BOLD Class 5 program. He looks forward to learning a lot and gaining insight from the perspectives of the new leaders in the avocado industry and working together to protect and nurture the sector we are passionate about.

Heather Johnson is responsible for the management of the Las Posas Ranch, located in Somis, California. In her role as Asset Manager at PGMI Real Estate, Heather oversees a diverse portfolio of agricultural assets acquired for clients and works closely with avocado marketers and growers across the state.

Heather is also a dedicated advocate for leadership development in agriculture. She is an alumna of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (Class 46) and currently serves as the Region 6 Alumni Council Director, where she supports the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Looking ahead, Heather is excited to participate in BOLD Class 5, where she aims to deepen her global understanding of the avocado industry and foster meaningful connections with fellow growers and industry stakeholders.

Herman Els is an Agronomist and Pest Control Advisor at Limoneira, where he manages avocado and citrus production across California. Originally from South Africa, he began his career in fertilizer sales and technical advisory roles before Limoneira Company, initially a client, invited him to join the team as Agronomy Manager. Since then, he has helped expand avocado acreage from 800 to nearly 1,400 acres, targeting 2,000. Herman also serves on the Certified Crop Advisor Coastal Committee and the CAPCA Ventura Chapter board. He is excited to join the BOLD Class 5 program to further his leadership journey and support the growth of the avocado industry.

Ignacio is a third-generation family member at Argo Gonzamex, LLC/Avoselect S.A. de CV, an avocado business dedicated to avocado production and export in Jalisco, Mexico. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from IPADE Business School in Mexico and has over 18 years of experience in the avocado industry. At Agro Gonzamex, he has served as Sourcing Manager, Commercial Director, and Operations Director, and now leads the company as CEO. In this role, Ignacio oversees production, commercial strategy, and sustainability efforts. Argo Gonzamex has over 40 years of farming experience and more than 20 years exporting to North America, Europe, and Asia. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture, social responsibility, and product quality, backed by certifications like Global GAP, SMETA, Organic, and SPRING. Ignacio also contributes to the industry through active involvement in agricultural and avocado associations in Mexico and looks forward to his participation in the BOLD Class 5 program.

Joaquin Urias, Chief Operating Officer at Stonehill Produce, gravitated to the avocado business over 15 years ago after a short stint in carrots and limes. Breaking in as the U.S. representative of a small Mexican packer, Joaquin quickly absorbed enough operational and marketplace realities to see the vast potential of the industry. After a little over a year on board, he broke away to form his own company specializing in niche sourcing and distribution, which ultimately led him to Stonehill Produce.

Starting in sales, bringing with him valuable connections and insights from his solo years, Joaquin made an impact right from the start. Eventually quadrupling his personal sales volume, Joaquin also took on the role of principal contact at the company’s base of operations in South Texas. His penchant for driving sales and overall hands-on diligence led first to his being named National Sales Director, then, more recently, to that of Chief Operating Officer. Joaquin joined the BOLD Class 5 program to deepen his industry insight, grow through shared learning, and contribute to a more connected and forward-thinking avocado community.

Originally from Chile and now based in Ventura, California, Matias Purcell is the Director of Technology at Brokaw Nursery, where he helps oversee more than 100 acres of avocado trees. He is passionate about intensive, high-density farming and using innovative practices to push agriculture forward.

Matias earned his Master’s degree in Business from Adolfo Ibañez University, in Santiago, Chile and has been dedicated to finding smarter, more sustainable ways to grow food ever since. His work blends deep agricultural know-how with cutting-edge technology to improve productivity, sustainability, and tree health. Matias hopes his background in business may help bring practical innovation to the field - bridging tradition and tech to support the future of California’s avocado industry.

He is honored to have been given the opportunity to participate in BOLD’s Class 5 and looks forward to learning from the other members and avocado industry leaders.

Thomas Browne is the Farming Operations Coordinator at Limoneira in Santa Paula, California. In addition to his role at Limoneira, he actively sits on the Board of Directors for the California Avocado Society. Growing up in Ventura County, Thomas was originally raised in Camarillo, California where his love for avocados began as he would watch the hillsides flower every spring.

Pursuing his passion in the avocado industry, Thomas graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) and received a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications. During his time at Cal Poly SLO, he was fortunate to have the opportunity to work as a farm hand at Mission Produce’s Cal Poly ranch.

Thomas is extremely excited and honored to be selected to participate in the BOLD Class 5 program. He feels this is an amazing opportunity to learn from industry leaders and collaborate with like-minded individuals to advocate for the success and longevity of the avocado industry. Thomas is excited to take what he learns from the BOLD program and further pass along the knowledge through avenues such as The California Avocado Society.