The Colombia Avocado Board announced Oct. 28 the election results for its board of directors for the 2025-26 term, with four officer positions filled, including one new director, as the group prepares for another year of growth in the U.S. market.
Voting for the nine-member board was held at the organization’s recent annual meeting.
Each director serves a two-year term and may be reelected to continue serving in subsequent terms. The board plays a key role in providing strategic guidance, oversight, and direction for CAB’s efforts to strengthen the presence of Avocados from Colombia across the U.S. retail and foodservice sectors.
Galen Johnson, CAB secretary and importer director from Mission Produce, was newly elected to CAB’s board of directors. Johnson joins the board as secretary, replacing Brock Becker, also of Mission Produce. Johnson has more than 15 years of experience in retail, wholesale and foodservice sales.
Members reelected to new officer roles include:
- Kellen Newhouse, CAB chair and importer director from West Pak Avocado
- Ricardo Uribe, CAB vice chair and exporter director from Cartama
- Sergio Plata Ortiz, CAB treasurer and exporter director from Baika Fruit
Newhouse, previously CAB treasurer, was elected as chair for a one-year term. Uribe had previously served as chair for five consecutive terms before moving into the role of vice chair, a position previously held by Plata Ortiz.
Continuing board members include:
- Katheryn Mejia, CAB director with Corpohass
- Brian Gomez, CAB importer director with Green Fruit Avocados
- Dustin Hahn, CAB importer director from Naturipe Avocados
- Ricardo Mejia, CAB exporter director from Fruty Green
- Carlos Andres Londoño, CAB exporter director from Jardin Exotics
“The Colombian avocado industry continues to grow and gain recognition as a trusted origin for consistent, high-quality fruit,” says Manuel Michel, CAB managing director.
Since gaining market access to the U.S. in 2017, Colombia has steadily grown as a year-round source of hass avocados. Today, there are 620 U.S.-certified orchards — a 42% increase over last year — spanning 40,200 acres, up 37% year over year, according to CAB.
“This calendar year, Colombia is on pace to reach 150 million pounds of exports to the U.S. — an 85% increase from the prior year,” Michel says. “That growth reflects the commitment of our growers, exporters and importers to delivering quality and reliability week after week. Our board brings the experience and alignment needed to strengthen retailer confidence and ensure that Avocados from Colombia remain an essential part of the category’s year-round success.”
