Hass Avocado Board Seats New Members to Executive Committee

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. – At its most recent board meeting on November 7 in Newport Beach, California, the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) elected its executive committee for the 2020 board year. The following producers and importers were elected to their positions by the twelve-member board of directors.

  • Chairman – Jorge Hernandez, an importer from McAllen, Texas
  • Vice-Chairman – Salvador Dominguez, a producer from Santa Paula, CA
  • Treasurer – David Fausset, an importer from Port Hueneme, CA
  • Secretary – Ben Van Der Kar, a producer from Carpinteria, CA

HAB also recognizes the contributions of the outgoing Treasurer Ms. Laurie Luschei for her years of service. “Laurie has given tirelessly to the organization, and we appreciate all of her work as treasurer,” said Chairman Hernandez. “We are pleased to see her continue her work as a board member.” 

“The Hass Avocado Board’s job is to make avocados America’s most popular fruit – and it’s working,” said HAB Executive Director Emiliano Escobedo. “This executive committee will be critical in continuing this success and supporting HAB’s mission.”

HAB is the only avocado organization that equips the entire global industry for success by collecting, focusing and distributing investments to maintain and expand demand for avocados in the United States. HAB provides the industry with consolidated supply and market data, conducts nutrition research, educates health professionals and consumers, and brings people together from all corners of the industry to collectively work towards growth that benefits everyone. 

The organization also collects and reallocates funds to California and importer associations to benefit specific countries of origin in promoting their avocado brands to customers and consumers across the United States.  

To ensure a legacy of success, the Board will focus on a long-term agenda as part its five-year strategic plan. The six strategic priorities guiding these efforts are: building demand, nutrition, supply and demand data, sustainability, industry engagement and quality.  To learn more about HAB and its strategic plan, visit: www.hassavocadoboard.com.  

About the Hass Avocado Board

The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) is an agriculture promotion group established in 2002 to promote the consumption of Hass Avocados in the United States. A 12-member board representing domestic producers and importers of Hass Avocados directs HAB’s promotion, research and information programs under supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Funding for HAB comes from fresh Hass avocados produced in the U.S. and on fresh Hass avocados imported into the U.S.