News Summary
The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has announced Ken Melban’s promotion to president, effective May 22, 2025. With over a decade at the CAC, Melban’s leadership is expected to guide the avocado industry through crucial growth and adaptation periods. His extensive advocacy for growers and experience in produce leadership positions him uniquely for this role, fostering both domestic and international opportunities for California avocados.
California – The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has announced the promotion of Ken Melban to the position of president, effective May 22, 2025. Melban’s extensive experience within the organization and the avocado industry underscores the CAC’s commitment to strong leadership during an essential time for California avocado growers.
Melban, who began his career with the CAC in 2011 as the director of issues management, has progressively ascended through the ranks, becoming vice president of industry affairs in 2015. Most recently, he served as both vice president of industry affairs and operations, as well as co-executive leader of the organization since late 2023. Jason Cole, chair of the CAC board, expressed confidence in Melban’s ability to lead the commission moving forward, citing his exemplary leadership in financial and administrative operations, as well as industry advocacy.
Melban’s understanding of the challenges faced by avocado growers in California is notably deep. Throughout his tenure at the CAC, he has become a fervent advocate for the interests of these growers. His vision is centered around leveraging new opportunities for the organization and expanding its influence both domestically and internationally.
Key Achievements
Throughout his career at the CAC, Melban has played a pivotal role in a number of significant initiatives. He has been instrumental in advocating for policy measures with the U.S. government aimed at preventing harmful pests from entering the country in imported avocados. His advocacy has also extended to addressing the challenges faced by growers impacted by devastating fires, demonstrating his commitment to supporting the industry’s resilience.
In addition to these efforts, Melban led the development and adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for the California avocado industry, ensuring that growers adhere to stringent standards that promote quality and food safety. Perhaps one of his most notable accomplishments was spearheading the expansion of the California avocado export program, which resulted in securing market access to China in 2020 after nine years of dedicated negotiations.
Background and Experience
Prior to joining the CAC, Melban accumulated over two decades of experience in produce leadership, collaborating with various California commodity boards and the National Grape & Wine Initiative. His rich background provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural landscape and the strategic importance of advocacy and market expansion for growers.
Melban holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in leadership and organizational studies from Fresno Pacific University. His educational foundation sets the stage for his effective leadership style, characterized by a focus on collaboration and proactive engagement with stakeholders.
Community Involvement
In addition to his professional commitments, Melban is actively engaged in community service organizations, where he dedicates time and resources towards fostering agricultural sustainability and addressing climate change. His contributions to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Climate Change Adaptation Consortium and the Ventura AG Futures Alliance illustrate his dedication to enhancing the agricultural sector’s capacity to adapt to evolving environmental challenges.
As Ken Melban steps into the role of president of the California Avocado Commission, the organization looks to him for visionary leadership that will guide the California avocado industry through its next phase of growth and adaptation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fruitnet: California Avocado Commission Promotes Ken Melban to President
- Wikipedia: Avocado
- The Produce News: California Avocado Commission Names New President
- Google Search: California Avocado Commission
- Fresh Fruit Portal: California Avocado Commission’s Response to Taiwan’s Rejection of U.S. Avocado Import
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fruit
- And Now U Know: California Avocado Commission Calls USDA to Maintain Direct Oversight in Mexico
- Google Scholar: California Avocado Marketing
- Blue Book Services: California Avocado Commission Appoints Interim President
- Google News: California Avocado Commission
