California Avocado Commission Appoints Ken Melban as President

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California avocado orchards representing growth in the industry.

News Summary

The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has announced the promotion of Ken Melban to president, effective May 22, 2025. With extensive agricultural leadership experience, Melban aims to address challenges facing avocado growers in California. Since joining CAC in 2011, he has significantly contributed to advocacy and operational improvements within the industry. His future vision includes enhancing outreach and strengthening the avocado sector amid evolving agricultural landscapes.

California – The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has officially named Ken Melban as its new president, a promotion that will take effect on May 22, 2025. Melban’s extensive background in agricultural leadership and his tenure with the organization position him to address the challenges faced by California avocado growers and to pursue growth opportunities for the commission.

Ken Melban began his career with the CAC in 2011, serving initially as the director of issues management. In 2015, he advanced to the role of vice president of industry affairs. Most recently, since late 2023, he has functioned as the vice president of industry affairs and operations and served as co-executive leader of the organization. His transition to president is a recognition of his effective leadership and commitment to the avocado industry.

Under Melban’s guidance, the CAC has made significant progress in several key areas, including financial and administrative operations, as well as advocacy for the avocado industry. Jason Cole, chair of the CAC board, commended Melban for his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and effectively advocate for the interests of California avocado growers.

Melban’s leadership has been marked by a strong dedication to addressing critical issues facing avocado producers. This includes advocacy efforts aimed at preventing the entry of harmful pests through imported avocados, which could threaten the local crop. He has also been instrumental in responding to the needs of growers affected by devastating fires, emphasizing his commitment to industry resilience.

Among Melban’s noteworthy contributions is the development and adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) that set standards for the California avocado industry. Additionally, he led efforts to expand the export program for California avocados, achieving market access to China in 2020 after nearly a decade of negotiations. This accomplishment has opened new avenues for growth and profitability for local growers.

Before joining the CAC, Melban gained two decades of experience in produce leadership, collaborating with various California commodity boards and the National Grape & Wine Initiative. His expertise in the agricultural sector will be a valuable asset as he steps into his new role as president.

Melban holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in leadership and organizational studies from Fresno Pacific University. His educational background, coupled with his professional experience, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural landscape.

Throughout his career, Melban has actively engaged in community service and advocacy organizations. He has contributed to efforts such as the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Climate Change Adaptation Consortium and the Ventura AG Futures Alliance, further showcasing his commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and community involvement.

As Melban prepares to take on the presidency of the CAC, his vision includes recognizing and capitalizing on new opportunities to strengthen the avocado industry in California. His leadership is anticipated to enhance the commission’s outreach and support initiatives that benefit avocado growers across the state.

The CAC’s decision to promote Melban reflects its goal of providing strong leadership within the organization as it adapts to the evolving agricultural landscape and addresses the needs of California avocado producers. As the state’s avocado industry continues to grow, Melban’s experience and insights will play a crucial role in navigating its future challenges and opportunities.