Half the Almond Board of California’s 10-member board of directors began their new terms on 1st of August, as Alexi Rodriguez of Caruthers, California-based Campos Brothers Farms was re-elected as chairwoman.
Alicia Rockwell of Blue Diamond Growers was chosen as the new vice chairwoman.
“Our industry continues to endure hard times,” Rodriguez said. “This board understands that intimately, and we have a strong group of individuals who are incredibly committed to doing our part to get beyond our current challenges successfully, ” says Rodriguez.
The new terms come after the board on July 18 announced that Clarice Turner, former president of iconic Napa Valley winery Joseph Phelps Vineyards, will serve as the next president and chief executive officer of the Almond Board. She replaces Richard Waycott, who is stepping down at the end of this year.
The board of directors is made up of five growers and five handlers. Among the growers, three represent independent farms and two are from cooperatives. The handlers are also made up of three separate and two co-op members.
The grower representatives elected this spring were:
- Paul Ewing of independent RPAC, LLC in Los Banos, was re-elected for one year.
- Kelli Evans, a co-op grower from Live Oak, previously was an alternate. She begins a three-year term.
The three handler members re-elected this year were:
- Rodriguez, an independent handler whose board seat carries a three-year term.
- Darren Rigg, an independent handler from Minturn Nut Co. Inc. in Le Grand begins a one-year term.
- Seven alternate directors were also elected or re-elected, according to a release. Voting among members began in late April and continued until late May.
Courtesy: Western Farm Press
