USDA Announces New Board Members to Hass Avocado Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on November 1st, 2022 announced the appointment of seven new members to the Hass Avocado Board. Appointed are two producer members, two producer alternates, one importer member and one importer alternate to fill three-year terms expiring on October 31, 2025, and one vacant importer alternate seat to fill the remainder of the term which expires on October 31, 2024.
Members and alternates newly appointed to serve are:
- Bob Schaar, Temecula, California (Producer Member)
- Elaine Veyna Bannatyne, Fillmore, California (Producer Member)
- Daniel Harte, Santa Paula, California (Producer Alternate)
- Rocco Fiore II, Pasadena, California (Producer Alternate)
- Debbie Willmann, Ontario, California (Importer Member)
- Juan Monsalve, Norwalk, Connecticut (Importer Alternate)
- Christopher Henry, San Diego, California (Importer Alternate 2-Year Term)
The Hass Avocado Board has 12 members, including seven producer members, two importer members, and three producer or importer members who serve in swing seats. Each member has an alternate.
Following the seating of the new HAB Board, on December 6th, 2022, the board announced its newly-elected executive committee board members that will be serving for the 2023 board year.
The Executive Committee members are:
Jorge Hernandez
Chairman
(Importer, London Fruit)
C.J. Shade
Vice-Chairman
(California Producer)
Sergio Chavez
Treasurer
(Importer, CalMich Produce)
Susan Pinkerton
Secretary
(California Producer)
“It is an honor and a privilege to be elected as chairperson for 2023,” said newly seated HAB Chairperson, Jorge Hernandez. “I am looking forward to continuing to support HAB and its efforts alongside my fellow industry members, especially in an expanded role. As the only independent avocado organization, HAB is dedicated to the success of the entire industry, and we look forward to continuing our mission of making fresh Hass avocados America’s favorite fruit.”
HAB also recognizes outgoing board members, Sal Dominguez, Jim Swoboda, Jaqueline Solares, John Cornell. HAB Executive Director, Emiliano Escobedo says, “We want to offer our deepest gratitude to those who are phasing out of their roles on the board. Each has contributed so much to HAB’s success promoting Hass avocados and we wish them the best moving forward.”
The executive committee will play a pivotal role in implementing HAB’s new 2021-2025 strategic plan, which includes strategies, objectives, and five-year working goals across each of five strategic priority areas:
Sustainability
Nutrition
Business Support Tools and Information
Industry Engagement and Leadership
Communications
For the industry, HAB strives to be a catalyst for action and a reason to be confident. All industry members are encouraged to register with HassAvocadoBoard.com to view timely industry updates and access tools that will help facilitate the decision-making process for their avocado business.
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USDA Announces New Board Members to Hass Avocado Board
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