Leader Sought To Head up California Walnut Industry Interests

Posted by Growing Produce Staff|January 10, 2022

The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) is searching for a new CEO/Executive Director as Michelle Connelly, who currently holds the position, has resigned. Connelly’s last day will be Feb. 11, 2022.

“We are grateful for Michelle’s years of service to our industry. During her nearly 18 years with the CWB and CWC, Michelle led a strong team of professionals that proudly serve our walnut industry and achieved numerous milestones and successes,” says Bill Tos, Chair of the CWB Executive Committee and Bill Carriere, Chair, of the CWC Executive Committee.

In a letter to Board and Commission, the chairmen highlighted several accomplishments during Connelly’s tenure, including:

Modernization of the Marketing Order to deliver more for the Walnut industry while eliminating outdated provisions.
Creation of sustainability work to demonstrate the industry’s good environmental stewardship practices and to support the industry in answering consumer and regulatory expectations.
An overall marketing program return on investment of 14:1, eclipsing the 6:1 benchmark ROI for similar commodity programs.
Expansion of industry communications to further engage with growers/processors, including 2021’s inaugural walnut conference collaboration.
Increased advocacy efforts to raise walnuts visibility among lawmakers to support walnut growers’ and handlers’ ability to produce, process and trade.
Creation of a strategic roadmap to market for growth domestically and internationally.

“It has been a privilege, honor and pleasure to serve the growers and handlers of the California walnut industry. I am beyond proud of what this team has accomplished, and I am confident in the industry’s sustained success,” said Connelly.

In sharing the news, the chairmen reiterated the efforts of the California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission are critically important to the success of the industry.