Introducing BOLD Class 2
BOLD Class 2 members attending UC Davis Classes June, 2022
The avocado industry’s Board Leadership Development Program (BOLD) seated it’s second class on March 28, 2022. These future avocado industry leaders applied for the year-long program, to immerse themselves in learning about the industry, the boards that serve it, and to gain the knowledge that will prepare themselves for future board participation.
The Hass avocado board (HAB) developed this program in 2020, as a way to find next generation industry leaders, as the industry faces an increasingly complex marketplace, and needs increasingly sophisticated problem solvers.
BOLD was designed to develop emerging leaders who are both motivated and equipped to meet the avocado industry’s extraordinary opportunities, and extraordinary challenges. BOLD will increase participant’s understanding of board member responsibilities, avocado research & marketing functions, finance and fiduciary responsibilities, board structure and membership, governance, and much more.
The members of this year’s BOLD Class 2 are:

Casey Beltran – Producer/Importer

Maureen Cottingham – Producer

Caitlin Cunha – Producer/Importer

Hillary DeCarl – Producer/Importer

Elizabeth Flores – Producer/Importer

Gwen Jackimek – Importer

Osvaldo Magaña – Producer

Carlos Valerio Medel – Producer

Jeff Onstot – Producer/Importer

Jose Pardo – Producer/Importer

John Patrick – Producer/Importer

LeighAnne Thomsen – Importer
BOLD develops knowledgeable, skilled, confident, and board-ready candidates for the Hass Avocado Board, California Avocado Commission, and importer associations for the industry. This year’s class in comprised of avocado producers and marketers, interested in the continued growth of the industry, and the creation of long-term value for the industry through volunteerism, and potential future board participation.
All Class 2 participants have been assigned a yearlong mentor relationship with a current or former industry board member, to lean on with questions, insights, and understanding of Board dynamics, and responsibilities.
BOLD brings out the best in all of us and builds a stronger future for this industry we all love and want to see continue to prosper and grow.
Other Happenings
Hass Avocado Board (HAB) New Strategic Plan for 2026-2030
The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) has been involved in a fact-driven, detail-oriented process over the past seven months, working towards developing the organization’s strategic plan for the next five years
Connecting, Learning, and Leading: ANC at Nutrition 2025
The Avocado Nutrition Center brought cutting-edge science, new research findings, and fresh collaborations to Nutrition 2025: spotlighting avocados in maternal health, heart health, and beyond.
BOLD Class 4 Graduation Brings BOLD Graduate Count to 50!
Congratulations to the 14 members of BOLD Class 4 who completed their BOLD experience in Oxnard, California, on March 11th and 12th, 2025.