The Colombia Avocado Board held its annual meeting Oct. 16, bringing together directors and association members to review the year’s progress and elect the nine-member board of directors for the 2025-26 term. Four officer positions were filled, including one new director, as CAB builds momentum for another year of growth and stronger retail partnerships in the U.S. market. Newly elected to the board of directors is Galen Johnson, CAB secretary and importer director from Mission Produce. Members re-elected to new officer roles are Kellen Newhouse, CAB chair and importer director from West Pak

The Idaho Potato Commission appointed three new commissioners — Scott Mickelsen, Doug Ruff and Brad Russell — who were officially sworn in Oct. 22. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and deep ties to Idaho’s potato industry, continuing IPC’s long-standing commitment to promoting and protecting the world-famous Grown in Idaho seal. Mickelsen is the business manager at Rigby Produce, where he brings decades of hands-on experience in the potato packing industry. Having grown up working alongside his father and brothers, Mickelsen has been immersed in Idaho’s potato business since

Dan McGrath has joined Vision Global Group as its West Coast sales specialist. He is a fifth-generation member of the McGrath Family in the Oxnard plain of California, immersed in farming since the turn of the 20th century. McGrath has been marketing and selling produce since 1998 servicing retail, foodservice and wholesalers across the U.S.

Judy Spires, one of the most accomplished and respected executives in the U.S. grocery and retail food industry, has been appointed chair of retail strategy and industry relations for Consalo Family Farms. With more than four decades of distinguished leadership experience, Spires has held senior executive roles across several of the nation’s leading supermarket organizations. She served as president of Acme Markets, president of Albertsons’ Dallas–Fort Worth Division and president of Albertsons’ Rocky Mountain Division. She later became chairman and CEO of KB US Holdings, the parent company of

Progressive Produce and Pacific Trellis Fruit have added Jamie Sells as senior vice president of sales and business development. His arrival came at the perfect time, as the companies showcased their latest innovations during the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, CA. With 39 years of produce industry experience, Sells is widely respected for his effective communication, strong relationship-building and ability to drive growth by meeting and exceeding shared goals. His appointment during the IFPA show underscored both companies’ commitment to growth, innovation, and deepening

Publix Vice President of Internal Audit Linda Hall will retire effective Jan. 1, 2026, after 40 years of dedicated service. With Hall’s retirement, the retailer announced three executive promotions: Meghan Vazquez, Aleece Tiedt and Bill Hammond. Hall began her career in 1985 as a data processing auditor. She was promoted to internal audit manager in 1990 and then to director of internal audit in 1992. She has been in her current role since 2002.