Dan Gunter resigns as head of FDOC
Dan Gunter resigns as head of FDOC
LAKELAND, FL -- Florida Department of Citrus Executive Director Dan L. Gunter announced March 15 that he will leave the department after almost two years.
Mr. Gunter, whose resignation is effective April 16, will become president and chief operating officer of Alico Inc., an agribusiness company based in LaBelle, FL.
"I appreciate the opportunity I've had to serve the industry," Mr. Gunter said. "It's been a rewarding experience. Of the achievements over the last few years, I am most proud of the staff that we have assembled. They are a focused, hardworking team that can deal with any problem thrown at them.
"The commission's role in the industry is more important than ever before, and I know the organization will meet the ever-increasing needs of Florida's most important agricultural industry."
The Florida Citrus Commission, which oversees the department, has appointed Mike Sparks, director of strategic planning and evaluation for the department of citrus, as interim executive director. The commission also formed a five-member search committee to find a permanent replacement for Mr. Gunter.
"Dan's departure doesn't come as a complete surprise," said FCC Chairman Andy Taylor. "We know he viewed this as a short-term assignment with very specific goals.
"Dan has brought organizational focus to the FDOC and now everything at the department is done for a reason: to grow the market for Florida citrus products. That's exactly what he set out to do. We thank him and wish him well in his future endeavors."
During Mr. Gunter's tenure, the department shifted the focus of its marketing programs to better promote the health and wellness benefits of citrus. As a result, the steep declines in orange juice sales flattened significantly and recall of FDOC advertising reached record levels.
The department was also able to settle a five-year lawsuit seeking to abolish the box tax that funds its activities.
Mr. Gunter, whose resignation is effective April 16, will become president and chief operating officer of Alico Inc., an agribusiness company based in LaBelle, FL.
"I appreciate the opportunity I've had to serve the industry," Mr. Gunter said. "It's been a rewarding experience. Of the achievements over the last few years, I am most proud of the staff that we have assembled. They are a focused, hardworking team that can deal with any problem thrown at them.
"The commission's role in the industry is more important than ever before, and I know the organization will meet the ever-increasing needs of Florida's most important agricultural industry."
The Florida Citrus Commission, which oversees the department, has appointed Mike Sparks, director of strategic planning and evaluation for the department of citrus, as interim executive director. The commission also formed a five-member search committee to find a permanent replacement for Mr. Gunter.
"Dan's departure doesn't come as a complete surprise," said FCC Chairman Andy Taylor. "We know he viewed this as a short-term assignment with very specific goals.
"Dan has brought organizational focus to the FDOC and now everything at the department is done for a reason: to grow the market for Florida citrus products. That's exactly what he set out to do. We thank him and wish him well in his future endeavors."
During Mr. Gunter's tenure, the department shifted the focus of its marketing programs to better promote the health and wellness benefits of citrus. As a result, the steep declines in orange juice sales flattened significantly and recall of FDOC advertising reached record levels.
The department was also able to settle a five-year lawsuit seeking to abolish the box tax that funds its activities.
