Members, Meetings, Nominations & Leadership Program
“I see great potential for the category and believe HAB is a major vehicle in realizing that potential.”– HAB BOARD MEMBER
Board Members
Jorge Hernandez
Importer
Chairman
Sal Dominguez
Producer
Vice Chairman
Dave Fausset
Importer
Treasurer
Ben Van Der Kar
Producer
Secretary
Susan Pinkerton
Producer
CJ Shade
Producer
Sergio Chavez
Importer
Bob Schaar
Producer
Jacqueline Solares
Importer
Scott Bauwens
Producer
Charley Wolk
Producer
Gahl Crane
Importer
Jeff Dickinson
Producer Alternate
Will Carleton
Producer Alternate
Kimberlin Brown Pelzer
Producer Alternate
Andy Bruno
Importer Alternate
Peter Shore
Importer Alternate
Jim Swoboda
Producer Alternate
John Cornell
Producer Alternate
Vacant
Alternate
Paul Romero
Producer Alternate
Keith Slattery
Producer Alternate
Aaron Acosta
Importer Alternate
Elizabeth Ayala
Importer Alternate
Staff
Emiliano Escobedo
Executive Director
Robert M. Rumph
Senior Director of Finance and Administration
John McGuigan
Director of Industry Affairs
Alejandro Gavito
Senior Business Insights and Data Services Manager
Gina Widjaja
Director of Marketing and Communications
Natalia Arias
Senior Digital Marketing and Communications Manager
Ivonne Gomez
Bilingual Content Manager
Jason Garthoffner
Web and Graphic Designer
Nikki A. Ford, PhD
Senior Director of Nutrition
Feon Cheng, PhD, RDN
Epidemiologist
Silvia Standke
Senior Executive Assistant
Monica Acosta
Associate Manager of Finance and Administration
Upcoming Meetings & Events
All HAB meetings will be held alternatively between San Diego, Orange, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
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In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, HAB must follow all federal, state, and CDC orders/recommendations to ensure the health and safety of its members and the public. Therefore, the remaining 2021 board meetings will be held via an online video conference. If the federal, state and CDC orders/recommendations change in the coming months, HAB will re-evaluate the need for video conference meetings and may hold in-person board meetings again when safe to do so. HAB will update its website when any decisions are made regarding future meetings.
September 20, 2021
HAC/HAB Board Meetings
Via online/video teleconference.
December 1-2, 2021
HAC/HAB Board Meetings
Via online/video teleconference.
Past Meetings & Events
June 17, 2021
WEBINAR - 2021-2025: Ensuring the Hass Avocado Industry's Success
Via online/video teleconference.
May 25, 2021
HAC/HAB Board Meetings
Via online/video teleconference.
May 24, 2021
Finance Committee Meeting
2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. PDT via online video/teleconference
May 13, 2021
Corporate Governance Committee Meeting
11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. PDT via online video/teleconference
May 7, 2021
Executive Committee Meeting
2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. PDT via online video/teleconference
April 15, 2021
Sustainability Task Force Meeting
11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. PDT via online video/teleconference
April 14, 2021
Corporate Governance Committee (CGC) Meeting
11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. PDT via online video/teleconference
March 2, 2021
Hass Avocado Leadership Committee (HALC) Meeting
1:00 P.M. PST via online video/teleconference
February 23-24, 2021
HAC/HAB Board Meetings
Via online/video teleconference
February 22, 2021
Finance Committee Meeting
1:00 P.M. PST via online video/teleconference
February 3, 2021
Executive Committee Meeting
2:00 P.M. PST via online video/teleconference
February 2, 2021
Sustainability Task Force Meeting
1:30 P.M. PST via online video/teleconference
January 14, 2021
Executive Compensation Committee Meeting
2:00 P.M. PST via online video/teleconference
January 12, 2021
Corporate Governance Committee (CGC) Meeting
2:00 P.M. PST via online video/teleconference.
December 1-2, 2020
HAC/HAB Board Meeting
Via online video/teleconference
December 1, 2020
Finance Committee Meeting
Online Video/Teleconference
Please see the attached meeting agenda for details. Meeting materials will be posted on or before November 27, 2020
November 20, 2020
Hass Avocado Leadership Committee (HALC) Meeting
Video/audio teleconference - see agenda for dial-in instructions
September 16 & 17, 2020
HAC/HAB Board Meetings
Via Zoom/Teleconference
September 14, 2020
Finance Committee Meeting
Please contact our office if you would like to attend the call and receive the meeting materials.
September 11, 2020
Executive Committee Meeting
Please contact our office if you would like to attend the call and receive the meeting materials.
September 10, 2020
Hass Avocado Leadership Committee (HALC) Meeting
Please contact our office if you would like to attend the call and receive the meeting materials.
September 3, 2020
Corporate Governance Committee (CGC) Meeting
Please contact our office if you would like to attend the call and receive the meeting materials.
August 28, 2020
Executive Compensation Committee Conference
If you are interested in attending this meeting, please contact our office so that your name can be added to the guest list
July 8, 2020
Country Reports & Information Committee (CRIC) Meeting
1:00 P.M. PST Zoom Call
Please contact our office if you would like to attend the call and receive the meeting materials.
June 17, 2020
Hass Avocado Leadership Committee (HALC) Meeting
9:00 A.M. PST Zoom call
Please contact our office if you would like to attend the call and receive the meeting materials.
May 13, 2020
Finance Committee Meeting
10:00 A.M. PST Conference Call
Please contact our office if you would like to attend the conference and receive the meeting materials.
May 7, 2020
Corporate Governance Committee (CGC) Meeting
1:00 P.M. Conference Call
Please contact our office if you would like to attend the conference and receive the meeting materials.
February 26, 2020
HAC/HAB Board Meeting
Location: Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
February 25, 2020
Finance Committee Meeting
11:00 AM - Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
February 10, 2020
Executive Committee Meeting
3:00 P.M. Conference Call
December 19, 2019
Global Data Committee Meeting
1:00 PM Conference Call
November 18, 2019
Executive Committee Meeting
11:00 A.M. Mission Produce - Packing House, 2901 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard, CA
November 6th-7th, 2019
HAB/HAC Board Meeting
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA
November 4, 2019
Finance Committee Meeting
1:30 P.M. Conference Call
October 21, 2019
Corporate Governance Committee (CGC) Meeting
11:30 AM Conference Call
October 17th, 2019
Industry Meeting
2:00 P.M. (during PMA in Anaheim, CA) Hyatt Regency Orange County. 11999 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA
October 7, 2019
Corporate Governance Committee (CGC) Meeting
1:30 PM Conference Call
October 3, 2019
Executive Committee
1:30 P.M. Conference Call
September 11th-12th, 2019
HAB/HAC Board Meeting
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach. 1 Ponto Road, Carlsbad, CA
August 30th, 2019
Corporate Governance Committee
3:00 P.M. Conference Call
August 26, 2019
Executive Committee
10:00 A.M. Conference Call
August 16th, 2019
Corporate Governance Committee
2:00 P.M. Conference Call
August 7th, 2019
Executive Committee
2:30 P.M. Conference Call
July 16th-17th, 2019
HAB/HAC Board Meeting
Hilton Irvine/OC Airport. 18800 MacArthur Blvd. Irvine, CA
March 20th-21st, 2019
HAB/HAC Board Meeting
Westlake Village Inn - Lakeside Room. 31943 Agoura Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Please contact us for additional historical meeting minutes and resources.
PAST HAB MEETING MINUTES
BOARD NOMINATIONS ANNUALLY RENEW LEADERSHIP…
by consistently identifying and recruiting industry experts to guide and to serve growers and importers and to stimulate industry growth.
The Hass Avocado Board’s job is to make avocados America’s most popular fruit – and it’s working.
The Board seeks skill sets and diversity that energetically pursue its mission to support the global avocado industry stakeholders in their collective efforts toward market expansion in the U.S.
WHY JOIN THE BOARD?
- Become an integral part of the leadership engine that makes producers and importers successful
- Because you benefit from the success of HAB and the industry it helps drive
- Gain deeper industry understanding and knowledge to increase your expertise
- Build relationships with global leaders from the avocado industry in the U.S.
When you join the Hass Avocado Board you connect with an organization of recognized success in creating a robust, nationwide produce category. Avocados are now bought and sold virtually nationwide. Consumers have happily embraced avocado nutritional benefits. HAB’s member importers have galvanized a worldwide industry’s success.
2021 Nomination Schedule
- Mar 01 Announcement of open seats mailed to all eligible producers and importers
- Mar 30 Deadline for receipt of Nomination forms by HAB
- Apr 9 Deadline for receipt of Nominee Information Form
- Apr 26 Ballots are mailed to all producers and importers
- May 24 Deadline for receipt of ballots by independent accounting firm
- Jun 07 Deadline to receive election results from accounting firm
- Jun 09 Send out HAB Memo requesting Background, Capacity and Declaration of Eligibility forms
- Jun 23 Deadline for receipt of Background, Capacity and Declaration of Eligibility forms
- Jul 1 Forms, Outreach Summary to AMS and Nominee names to USDA Secretary
- Nov 01 Term begins for new members and alternates
2021 Nominations Results Report
2021 Nominations Results Report
Download PDF
2021 Nomination Packet Materials
2021 Nomination Cover Letter
Download PDF
2021 USDA Diversity Memo to Industry
Download PDF
2021 Importer Nomination Form
Download PDF
2021 Producer Nomination Form
Download PDF
“I see great potential for the category and believe HAB is a major vehicle in realizing that potential.” – HAB Board Member
“HAB’s success truly depends on the leadership of our board members.” – HAB Board Member
“I am extremely passionate about the avocado industry and want to help shape its future.” – HAB Board Member
WHAT’S YOUR COMMITMENT?
- Four Board meetings a year
- Decision-making contributions to our policy and direction
- Bringing your drive and enthusiasm to our Board
- Sharing your expertise as a successful industry member
Visit our HAB meeting and events page to obtain copies of the latest Board meeting minutes.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Our 5-year strategic blueprint was developed to ensure HAB’s legacy of success. Five priorities define our long-term agenda and guide our strategic plan:
- Communications
- Nutrition
- Business Support Tools & Information
- Sustainability
- Industry Engagement & Leadership
Be a part of HAB’s success!
We’ve invested millions of dollars in nutrition-focused marketing campaigns that have helped make fresh Hass avocados a part of pop culture. Plus, our nutrition research has helped consumers understand how avocados are beneficial to their health. The entire industry can count on HAB to be a catalyst for action and a reason to be confident – and you can be a part of the future.
Download the 2021 strategic plan to learn more. You can also visit our annual reports page to learn more about our financials.
HAB’s Mission
HAB strengthens the Global Avocado Industry and its stakeholders in our collective efforts toward market development in the U.S. through leadership in Nutrition, Communications, Business Support Tools and Information, and Sustainability practices throughout the supply chain.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Hass Avocado Board
25212 Marguerite Pkwy. Ste. 250, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(949) 341-3250
For more information: silvia@hassavocadoboard.com
GOAL:
To cultivate a pipeline of future avocado leaders to serve on HAB and HAPRI Association’s Boards
HAB is the only independent avocado organization, and we equip the entire industry for success.
The BOLD program was created to:
- Help selected individuals cultivate their interest in serving the industry by enhancing readiness for participation on boards, from day one, if elected/appointed.
- Guide potential volunteer leaders through a series of modules that will inform, educate, and deliver understanding of the avocado industry’s complex structure.
- Provide a steppingstone to individuals who want to participate on HAPRIO boards. Graduates will be viewed as knowledgeable candidates, and uniquely qualified for Board participation.
2021 Timeline of application process:
- Jan 4 – Jan 31 Open application enrollment.
- February Video conference with a Hass Avocado Leadership Committee member(s).
- Late March Selected candidates will be informed of their acceptance into the program by the HAPRI Board who will sponsor their participation.
- April 1 BOLD program starts. Zoom welcome meeting. Overview of expectations, responsibilities, and calendar of meetings, events, and seminars.
Candidates commitments:
- Yearlong participation, spanning March 2021 to March 2022.
- Attend 5-6 HAPRIO Board meetings including module training sessions. Locations: CA and Dallas.
- Meetings might be held virtually in year 1.
- Potential trip to Washington for USDA visit.
- Attend 2-day academic training at UC Davis in June (if travel is possible, held virtually otherwise)
- Participate in a mentorship program throughout the year.
- Have approval from participant’s company to engage.