May 2, 2023

CFFA’s LeMay to succeed Nave at California grape commission

Ian LeMay, president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, will become president and CEO of the California Table Grape Commission in the spring of 2025, succeeding longtime commission head Kathleen Nave.

Nave joined the commission in 1987, and was appointed president and CEO in January 1999, succeeding Bruce Obbink. She plans to retire in spring 2025. LeMay will join the commission staff as incoming president after training a successor at the California Fresh Fruit Association.

“We are thrilled that Ian accepted the offer to join the commission team and to transition into the lead role,” Nave said in a news release. “Ian is successfully leading an important industry organization now and will bring his experience, expertise, character and knowledge of the issues growers face to the work of the commission.

“Having worked closely with Ian since he took over as president of the association almost four years ago I have seen his commitment to growers exhibited many times and truly look forward to working with him and watching him take on the worldwide promotion of California table grapes!” she said in the release.

The California Table Grape Commission has a history of allowing time for incoming leaders to transition into the role. In its 55-year history there have been only three commission presidents, two of whom served for over 25 years.

Photo: Kathleen Nave, who plans to retire as president and CEO of the California Table Grape Commission in spring 2025, will be succeeded by the California Fresh Fruit Association’s Ian LeMay. Photo: California Table Grape Commission