Hass Avocado Board BOLD program preparing industry leaders

The Hass Avocado Board is continuing to develop emerging industry leaders through its Board Leadership Development (BOLD) program, with its second class of graduates set to finish in March 2023, according to a news release.

The year-long BOLD program works with industry experts to teach business skills through custom modules at the University of California, Davis and in partnership with the Agricultural Trade Education Council (ATEC), according to the release. Program highlights include diverse, in-person speakers from avocado grower associations, the HAB Executive Team and the USDA, sharing firsthand knowledge of key industry resources, priorities and procedures.

BOLD consolidates essential information and recommendations to provide insights that could otherwise take years to gain, the release said. Graduates are intended to be well-rounded and better problem-solvers because of a more sophisticated understanding of the complex needs that have shaped the past and remain a challenge in the future of the $7 billion U.S. avocado industry.

“BOLD’s strategic approach to prepare future leaders has quickly earned the respect and support of all major avocado grower associations doing business in the U.S.,” John McGuigan, director of industry affairs for the Hass Avocado Board, said in the release. “We are pleased HAB has been able to bring the industry together to prioritize identifying, motivating and equipping the next generation of leaders. BOLD brings out the best in all of us.”

With one inaugural class graduated and the second class of 12 to finish the curriculum in March 2023, the fresh avocado industry follows closely the growing promise tied to participants and their path forward to board participation and beyond, according to the release.

Members of BOLD Class 2 are: 

• Casey Evans Beltran, producer/importer, La Bonanza Avocados
• Maureen Cottingham, producer, Camlam Farms, Inc.
• Caitlin Cunha, producer/importer, Del Rey Avocado
• Hillary DeCarl, producer/importer, Del Rey Avocado
• Elizabeth Flores, producer/importer, Mission Produce
• Gwen Jackimek, producer/importer, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc.
• Osvaldo Magaña, producer, Limoneira Company
• Carlos Ignacio Valerio Medel, producer, Fruitval S.A. de C.V.
• Jeff Onstot, producer/importer, Westfalia Fruit Marketing USA
• Jose Daniel Pardo, producer/importer, Westfalia Fruit Marketing USA
• John Patrick, producer/importer, Eco Farms 
• LeighAnne Thomsen, importer, Calavo Growers

 
BOLD Class 2 graduates will become board-ready potential candidates for the Hass Avocado Board, California Avocado Commission, Mexican Hass Avocado Importer Association, Peruvian Avocado Commission, Colombia Avocado Board, and Chilean Avocado Importers Association. The immersion provided by BOLD will help them better meet business goals for their companies, which strengthens the industry and creates jobs and benefits for surrounding communities, the release said.