People
To commemorate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the commission is highlighting contributions of trailblazing California avocado growers.
The company has appointed José Manuel Madero Garza to its board of directors to help guide the company’s strategic growth and international expansion.
Arizona native Pat Tucker, who helped grow the regional farm into a year-round international melon supplier, will continue to serve as a consultant.
According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 45,244 women producers operate across the state, managing 11.5 million acres of farms and ranches that contribute $22.2 billion in agricultural sales.
Chief Operating Officer Jerry LeClair will step in as interim CEO to lead the regional grocer’s 200-plus locations.
The organization has made history by electing its first all-female executive officer team to lead its strategic growth and promotion efforts.
Former FDA policy manager Eric Stevens is set to join the International Fresh Produce Association to lead global regulatory engagement and science-based policy.
North American Blueberry Council has filled two critical leadership vacancies by appointing Brian Bocock to the board of directors and Gonzalo Canessa as chair of the United Blueberry Advisory Committee.
The third-generation grower and owner of Sklarczyk Seed Farm says this year’s agenda will capitalize on new dietary guidelines to promote potatoes as a staple of good health, ensuring fair trade practices, and removing nontariff trade barriers.
Sprouts has named Don Clark as chief merchandising officer and created a new chief customer officer role for Amanda Rassi.
Christian Bengard, a third-generation family member, brings more than six years of produce sales experience from Well-Pict/Gem-Pack, along with years of exposure within the fresh produce industry.
In her new role, Miller will manage client relationships, oversee campaign execution and collaborate with internal teams to deliver integrated marketing programs that support FullTilt’s agriculture-first approach.
Target has named Cara Sylvester as chief merchandising officer and Lisa Roath as chief operating officer, part of an overhaul aimed at streamlining operations.
Industry veteran Kim White will lead global operations and strategic partnerships as the ag tech firm transitions from research.
The Los Angeles-based company has appointed its current president, Tim Riley, president and CEO. Giumarra has also named Anthony Stallings as chief financial officer.
Mariana Solorio, director of food safety and quality assurance for Bonipak Produce, will support the adaptation of GlobalG.A.P. standards in the U.S.
Greg Foran brings four decades of global operational expertise to sharpen Kroger’s digital edge and store-level execution.
Teammates nominated him, a newcomer to the maintenance team, for his helpful and kind people-first approach to the role.
Splane and the commission announced annual projections of 330 million pounds of California avocados and a ready-to-go consumer marketing program for the spring.
Helen Aquino brings over 20 years of experience in research and product development to her new role.
She will become the director of workforce and business policy on the U.S. Government Relations team.
Dave Armstrong steps into the role of president and CEO, while Sakata veteran Justin Davis moves to chief operating officer of vegetables.
The company says the collective expertise will help it play a significant role in the global mushroom industry into the future.
During his time with FWA, Amaral has also led efforts to achieve long-term water sustainability in the San Joaquin Valley.
Calling Oppy his home, Young returns to the company after eight years away.
Carol Barsotti will oversee public relations, government affairs and community impact. She’ll hold the role while continuing as president of fieldTRUE, a farm-box subscription business.
In her new role, Gilbert will support customer success through close collaboration and technical insight on the West Coast.
Lidl U.S. has appointed Marco Giudici, the company’s current chief customer officer and former head of Lidl Romania, as interim CEO, succeeding Joel Rampoldt. This appointment comes as the retailer continues to refine its domestic growth strategy and operational efficiency.
UnitedAg’s wellness centers across California’s Central Valley are trying to break down health care barriers to farmworkers through a holistic, people-focused strategy.
The commission has also elected a new slate of officers for its board of directors.