As the year comes to an end, the National Mango Board is getting ready for its new era of development and transitions with Executive Director William Watson handing over the reins to Manuel Michel, the new executive director. The NMB is also armed with a new director of marketing, a new strategic plan, a new vision and new projects.

Michel has been on board since September 2014 working alongside Watson as he integrated himself into his new role. Today, the NMB has fully transitioned to its new executive director just in time for the holiday season and the beginning of 2015.

“Knowing Manuel will be at the helm for the NMB’s next chapter is reassuring," Watson said in a press release. "Thank you for the opportunity and your support. I will miss everyone."

The NMB also appointed Rachel Muñoz as its new director of marketing. She is currently overseeing marketing and public relations for consumer, nutrition, retail and foodservice programs, as well as managing trade shows and website communications.

“William created the NMB and brought together an industry with a unified vision for increasing mango consumption in the U.S.," Muñoz said in the release. "He has set a solid foundation for Manuel to build on and I look forward to being a part of these plans to grow the success of the NMB."

A new strategic plan has been set for 2015-17 that will provide the backbone of the NMB programs: marketing, research and industry relations. The 2015 marketing program will include ongoing consumer marketing strategies such as sponsoring of the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League. Ongoing marketing efforts will also include nutrition PR and marketing, retail marketing and promotions, and foodservice PR and marketing.

Research program efforts will focus on mango nutrition and health, as well as an increased focus on mango quality and postharvest practices research.

The Industry Relations program will work toward enhancing industry communication and preparedness to create a unified mango industry. This program will also focus on the Continuance Referendum — to be be held April 6-17, 2015 — where mango industry members will have the chance to vote on the NMB’s continuation.

These programs will work together to accomplish the NMB’s mission, which is to increase consumption of fresh mangos in the U.S. through innovative research and promotional activities, while fostering a thriving industry.

The NMB has also updated its vision statement: To bring the world’s love of mangos to the U.S. Lastly, the NMB website, www.mango.org, redesign will be launching in 2015. The new intuitive design will allow consumers and industry members to navigate the site easier and will be fully responsive with mobile phones and tablets.

“It has been an honor to work with William and to have him as a mentor for the last four months," Michel said. "He has been a great leader for the mango industry and has paved the road for years ahead. 2015 and the next two years that follow will be very significant to the NMB and the mango industry as we continue to expand our programs and implement new initiatives.”