The Hass Avocado Board announced the appointment of Parisa Salehi as senior director of industry engagement, a role that underscores HAB’s commitment to its 2026–30 Strategic Plan and to strengthen collaboration across the U.S. avocado industry to advance strategic priorities.

The California Avocado Commission recently conducted board of directors elections, which were confirmed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The board elected new executive officers including Board Chair Rachael Laenen, who has served on the CAC Board for since November 2020, with three of those years as an executive officer. 

Fresh Inset S.A. announced the appointment of Gordon Robertson as general manager, Vidre+, North America.

Ten Acre Marketing is starting the new year with new growth. The agency welcomed three team members to support client service and creative operations. Joelle Orem and James Drewicke join as account coordinators, and Matheus Spinelli comes on board as creative studio manager. Together, they bring lived ag experience, solid marketing expertise and enthusiasm for amplifying the power of agriculture.

Heartland Produce Co. announced the retirement of Bud Compher, vice president and co-owner, marking the close of an extraordinary career in the produce industry spanning more than five decades.

Pacific Trellis Fruit announced the appointment of Mike Blume as East Coast sales manager, effective Jan. 5.

Blume joins Pacific Trellis Fruit from Keystone Fruit Marketing, a division of its integrated partner company Progressive Produce, where he most recently served as vice president of sales. With more than two decades of commercial and leadership experience in the produce sector — particularly within the East Coast region — he has a proven history of driving growth, strengthening customer partnerships and leading high‑performing teams.