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Nickel Family LLC hires Darren Filkins as CEO

Nickel Family LLC, a diversified agriculture and investment company, has hired Darren Filkins as its new chief executive officer. Filkins will assume his new role Jan. 4, 2016. He succeeds Jim Nickel, who led the organization through the last 30 years of growth.DarrenFDarren Filkins

“Nickel Family is an iconic grower in the San Joaquin Valley with more than 150 years of tradition,” Filkins said in a press release. “They are also innovative and have been at the forefront of a variety of trends in agriculture including water and environmental stewardship. I am excited to join an organization with a track record of success as well as a vision for future growth and change. I’m looking forward to working with a great team to continue that success.”

Filkins joins Nickel Family with almost 25 years of experience in the produce industry. He has worked for some of the most respected brands in produce, including roles with Bolthouse Farms, Tanimura & Antle, NewStar Fresh Foods and D’Arrigo Bros. Additionally, he has volunteered his time and leadership to a wide variety of community and professional non-profits; he has served on the board of directors for the Kern County Farm Bureau and the Central California Lettuce Cooperative and is currently the president of Rio Bravo-Greeley School. Filkins earned his degree in agriculture management from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo.

"I have a strong passion for agriculture and have dedicated my career to exceptional companies in the industry," he said. "When I considered Nickel Family, their reputation as well as the opportunities their diversified structure represented, it offered an ideal next step to contribute at a high level to a strong organization.”

“We are excited to have someone of Darren’s caliber lead our organization," Jim Nickel, chairman of the board of Nickel Family LLC, said in the release. "His exceptional knowledge of agriculture, proven track record and leadership abilities will be invaluable as we move into the next stage of our development as a company. Darren is able to balance being visionary with having the ability to achieve that vision. He is a sophisticated business manager who can successfully drive all aspects of our business forward into the future. Additionally, as a true people person he will work well with our team, partners and ownership. We feel very fortunate to have him join us.”

Nickel Family LLC is a multi-generational, family-owned grower of citrus, nuts, tomatoes, grapes and alfalfa. They own and farm on more than 9,000 acres throughout California. Additionally the company has a variety of natural resource and real estate holdings, including a hydroelectric plant, an equestrian center and water and mineral rights.

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