Hass Avocado Board names 2018 executive committee and board members

MISSION VIEJO – The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) announced its annual passing of the baton with the election of a new executive committee, including a new chairman, after the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) Sonny Perdue's appointment of new board members to the HAB Dec. 6.

Chairman Chris Henry from Del Monte Fresh Produce is stepping down after two years of service in this role, and will be replaced by Scott Bauwens, a California producer of Hass avocados from Paradise Grove.

HAB is grateful for the service and commitment of outgoing chairman Henry for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the past two years as chair, preceded by three years as treasurer. California producers who were recognized for their service to the board over the last three years included Bob Schaar (BobKat) from Rancho Los Lobos in Fallbrook.

Looking ahead to 2018, the board will continue to support the vision laid out in its five-year strategic plan aimed at being the catalyst for fresh avocados being the number one consumed fruit in America and industry stakeholders being successful. The board is responsible for ensuring the plan's strategic priorities are met, including building demand, nutrition research, supply and demand data collection, quality, sustainability and industry engagement.

Other executive committee positions have been assigned to: vice chairman Jorge Hernandez, importer; treasurer re-elect Laurie Luschei, producer; and secretary re-elect Javier Medina, importer from Mevi Avocados, Inc.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as chairman of the board, and am committed to ensuring the priorities outlined in the five-year strategic plan are being upheld," said chairman Scott Bauwens. "I am confident our board and staff has the talent, experience and commitment to achieve the goals of driving sustainable demand and consumption of fresh avocados in the U.S."

Three additional members and seven alternates were chosen to serve. Appointed board members include Susan Pinkerton, producer from Strata Holding, LP; Ben Van Der Kar, producer from Pinehill Ranch; and Sergio Chavez, importer from Prometo Produce.

New alternate positions include Bob Schaar (BobKat).

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