Dec 17, 2024

New board chair elected at Almond Board of California

The Almond Board of California’s board of directors has elected a new leader.

Alicia Rockwell is the new chair of the board. Rockwell is set to take over the role on Jan. 1 from Alexi Rodriguez, who will begin a new role on Jan. 1 as CEO of the Modesto, California-based Almond Alliance, according to a news release.

Rockwell is the chief government and public affairs officer for the Sacramento, California-based Blue Diamond Growers.

Brandon Rebiero, a co-founder of Central California’s Gold Leaf Farming, also based in Modesto, was elected the board’s vice chair.

“I’m honored to have the trust of my fellow board members,” Rockwell said in the release. “The board is a strong group of experienced and impressive individuals who care deeply about our industry. Together, we will continue to address industry challenges and build a prosperous future for the California almond industry.”

The ABC board sets policy and approves budgets in major areas, including global market development, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses.

Based in Modesto, California, ABC is a federal marketing order dedicated to promoting California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts and by funding, working to ensure food safety and promote studies on almonds’ health benefits as well as modern agricultural practices to aid growers and to further the industry’s efforts in environmental stewardship.