Oct 21, 2020

Blueberry councils appoint new vice president, financial controller

Beginning Sept. 28, 2020, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and North American Blueberry Council (NABC) appointed Jennifer Sparks, a longtime marketing professional for the floral industry, as vice president, marketing and communications.

In her new role as part of the USHBC/NABC executive team, Sparks will manage various advertising agencies and marketing partners, and oversee all aspects of the marketing strategic plan, including branding, merchandising, promotions, advertising, public/media relations, market research and consumer affairs to spotlight the health benefits of blueberries and increase consumption. She will lead the implementation of brand-driven internal and external communications across a range of categories: consumer, retailer, food service and industry relations. She will work with a diverse group of industry stakeholders – growers, handlers, importers and retailers – across two continents.

Adam Winland has been hired as the financial controller for the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), a newly created position that will oversee the councils’ day-to-day accounting and provide strategic financial direction.

Winland brings 15 years of financial management experience to the councils. He most recently spent four years as controller for Ideal Dental Management Partners based in West Sacramento, California. He managed the finances of multiple dental offices and was involved in the acquisitions and sales of dental practices.
He previously spent two years as assistant controller for Easter Seals Bay Area based in Pleasant Hill, California, and six years as vice president of accounting and finance for TKG International, a real estate investment firm based in Livermore, California. At TKG, he was involved in the management of the company’s 100-acre vineyard and helped it transition to organic growing practices and become certified by California Certified Organic Farmers.

He is a native of Michigan and a 2004 graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a master’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in accounting information systems, with a minor in economics.

Winland will be part of the councils’ executive team and manage an annual budget exceeding $13 million. He will oversee accounting, investments, cash flow management, and short- and long-range financial projections. He will also ensure the accuracy of NABC/USHBC accounting data and financial records, produce annual budgets and financial reports, and oversee financial and regulatory audits. He’ll head up administrative services, which includes human resources, benefits, policies and procedures, and operations.

“We’re excited to have Adam bring his knowledge and expertise to the team,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of NABC and USHBC. “His prior experience in ag and finance make him a perfect fit as we look to grow our program alongside the growing demand for blueberries.” 

“I’m thrilled to be part of these organizations and I look forward to helping NABC and USHBC achieve their respective visions,” Winland said. “Coming back to my ag roots is an absolute pleasure, and I’m happy to contribute to the success and sustainability of the councils.”