Eugene, Ore.-based blueberry breeding and nursery company Fall Creek Farm and Nursery says its board of directors has initiated a search for a new CEO.
Until the appointment, Cort Brazelton will serve as acting president and CEO; he will transition to a strategic role on the board of directors once the new CEO is on board, according to a news release.
The company said Kevin Murphy, a longtime board member and former CEO of Driscoll’s, will assume the role of executive chair of the board on Jan. 15. Murphy will provide strategic guidance as Fall Creek continues to strengthen its global presence and pursue its growth goals under the continued ownership and stewardship of the Brazelton/Aust family, the release said.
Amelie Aust, who is stepping down as executive chair, will continue her involvement as a board member and shareholder, collaborating with Brazelton, the company said.
Oscar Verges, who has served as co-CEO since 2020 and joined Fall Creek as chief operating officer in 2016, will step down from his position. Fall Creek said Verges has been instrumental in driving Fall Creek’s significant growth, global market expansion and the regionalization of leadership to better serve local and international customers.
“I have been a customer and board member of Fall Creek for well over a decade and could not be more excited about the potential of the company,” Murphy, the incoming executive chair, said in a news release. “This is a new chapter in the growth of the business and the industry, and I am eager to help the family and company in this next phase.”
