The Hass Avocado Board announced the appointment of Parisa Salehi as senior director of industry engagement on Jan. 8. In her new role, Salehi will lead initiatives designed to deepen industry relationships and demonstrate the value of HAB programs to U.S. assessment payers, expand leadership development through the Board Leadership Development program, and advance the Avocado Sustainability Center mission and priorities.
“I am honored to join HAB at such a transformative time. Industry engagement is not just priority — it is an imperative for a thriving U.S. avocado industry,” Salehi says. “My goal is to build strong partnerships and deliver programs that empower stakeholders while advancing our shared commitment to HAB’s vision and mission,” she adds.
As the board welcomes Salehi, it also celebrates John McGuigan, retiring after years of dedicated service. HAB says McGuigan’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping its industry facing initiatives. Under his guidance, the ASC emerged as a trusted source for research and information, and the BOLD Program was launched to successfully cultivate a pipeline of future leaders, ensuring strong governance and industry representation for years to come, the board says.
“John’s leadership has set a high benchmark for engaging with the industry in important matters ranging from supply and demand data and information, quality practices, sustainability and leadership development. His work helped raise HAB’s identity within the produce and avocado sector and laid a foundation that will benefit the industry for years to come. We are excited to build on that legacy with Parisa’s expertise and passion for engagement,” says Emiliano Escobedo, HAB executive director.
“Out of my 40-year career in the produce industry, it has been a privilege to serve the last eight years with the Hass Avocado Board and the avocado industry, and witness the mission driven work that led to significant initiatives like the Avocado Sustainability Center and the BOLD program,” McGuigan says. “These efforts reflect our collective vision for a viable future and a strong leadership pipeline. I am confident HAB will continue to thrive under Parisa’s leadership.”
