CAC's Nutrition Advisory Committee chairman retires
CAC's Nutrition Advisory Committee chairman retires
Charley Wolk is stepping down after 20 years of successful leadership as chairman of the California Avocado Commission's Nutrition Advisory Committee.
His retirement comes after a distinguished tenure of service overseeing the committee responsible for scientific research into the health benefits of California avocados. His deep commitment to the committee educated millions of consumers about the California avocado's role in a healthy diet and dispelled common myths about the fruit, industry observers said.
According to David Heber, director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and chair of the committee, "Charley Wolk added the dimension of real-world common sense and a keen ability to appreciate the big picture that made our efforts on the CAC's nutrition committee so successful. His character and integrity made a profound contribution to the NAC."
Mr. Wolk's management of the committee led to these accomplishments:
o Consumer perception of California avocados changed from being a "fatty" food to one that offers health benefits. The percentage of Americans who consider avocados to be "good for you" increased from 35 percent in 1994 to 67 percent in 2003, according to an independent research study in 2004.
o The number of positive health stories in the media about California avocados rose exponentially during the last 20 years. Today, the majority of California avocado news coverage reports the fruit as a "good-for-you" food because of its heart-healthy fat content.
o Avocados have been featured as a "Nutrition Superstar" in the American Diabetes Association's Food & Nutrition Bible. "Under the leadership of Charley Wolk, CAC's Nutrition Advisory Committee made a transformative impact on our business," Mark Affleck, CAC's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "He understands the blend between board politics and organizational success more than anyone I've ever seen in my 20-year professional career."
In addition to his duties with the committee, Mr. Wolk served as chairman of the board for the California Avocado Commission in 1994-95 and again from 1998 to 2001. He was also founding chairman of the Hass Avocado Board in 2003, and was just re-elected to that position for the 2005-06 season. Former California Gov. Pete Wilson named Mr. Wolk as a regional water control board member for the San Diego district in 1996. He was San Diego County Farmer of the Year in 1986 and San Diego County Farm Bureau President from 1988-1990. In all, Mr. Wolk has nearly 30 years experience in association and board management and is known nationally for his leadership and innovation.
"I am immensely proud of the stellar work and dedication that the members of the California Avocado Commission's Nutrition Advisory Committee have contributed during the past 20 years to help educate Americans about the health benefits of California avocados," Mr. Wolk said after being recognized for his service at a recent CAC board meeting. "We have uncovered scientific evidence that phytonutrients in avocados may help reduce the risk of heart disease and various types of cancers."
Mr. Wolk graduated from Marquette University in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and earned a master of science in management engineering from George Washington University in 1971. A lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps 1959 to 1980, Mr. Wolk currently resides in Fallbrook, CA, with his wife, Pamela, where he operates The Bejoca Co., an agricultural management firm.
His retirement comes after a distinguished tenure of service overseeing the committee responsible for scientific research into the health benefits of California avocados. His deep commitment to the committee educated millions of consumers about the California avocado's role in a healthy diet and dispelled common myths about the fruit, industry observers said.
According to David Heber, director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and chair of the committee, "Charley Wolk added the dimension of real-world common sense and a keen ability to appreciate the big picture that made our efforts on the CAC's nutrition committee so successful. His character and integrity made a profound contribution to the NAC."
Mr. Wolk's management of the committee led to these accomplishments:
o Consumer perception of California avocados changed from being a "fatty" food to one that offers health benefits. The percentage of Americans who consider avocados to be "good for you" increased from 35 percent in 1994 to 67 percent in 2003, according to an independent research study in 2004.
o The number of positive health stories in the media about California avocados rose exponentially during the last 20 years. Today, the majority of California avocado news coverage reports the fruit as a "good-for-you" food because of its heart-healthy fat content.
o Avocados have been featured as a "Nutrition Superstar" in the American Diabetes Association's Food & Nutrition Bible. "Under the leadership of Charley Wolk, CAC's Nutrition Advisory Committee made a transformative impact on our business," Mark Affleck, CAC's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "He understands the blend between board politics and organizational success more than anyone I've ever seen in my 20-year professional career."
In addition to his duties with the committee, Mr. Wolk served as chairman of the board for the California Avocado Commission in 1994-95 and again from 1998 to 2001. He was also founding chairman of the Hass Avocado Board in 2003, and was just re-elected to that position for the 2005-06 season. Former California Gov. Pete Wilson named Mr. Wolk as a regional water control board member for the San Diego district in 1996. He was San Diego County Farmer of the Year in 1986 and San Diego County Farm Bureau President from 1988-1990. In all, Mr. Wolk has nearly 30 years experience in association and board management and is known nationally for his leadership and innovation.
"I am immensely proud of the stellar work and dedication that the members of the California Avocado Commission's Nutrition Advisory Committee have contributed during the past 20 years to help educate Americans about the health benefits of California avocados," Mr. Wolk said after being recognized for his service at a recent CAC board meeting. "We have uncovered scientific evidence that phytonutrients in avocados may help reduce the risk of heart disease and various types of cancers."
Mr. Wolk graduated from Marquette University in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and earned a master of science in management engineering from George Washington University in 1971. A lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps 1959 to 1980, Mr. Wolk currently resides in Fallbrook, CA, with his wife, Pamela, where he operates The Bejoca Co., an agricultural management firm.
