FOLSOM, Calif. — The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and North American Blueberry Council (NABC) have appointed Amanda Griffin, a longtime nonprofit education, events and program management executive, as vice president of engagement and education. In this newly created role, Griffin will define, lead and execute day-to-day industry engagement, education and event activities to build awareness and participation for the two councils.
Griffin’s responsibilities will include serving as a liaison to blueberry growers; advancing member engagement; launching a blueberry industry leadership program; identifying opportunities to partner with trade organizations, universities and government agencies; and leading USHBC and NABC events programming.
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing and interacting with Amanda for over a dozen years and have been impressed with her diverse skills in professional learning and events, as well as member engagement.” said Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC and NABC. “Bringing her on board with USHBC and NABC will allow us to amplify our education efforts, and increase and personalize our connection to all blueberry industry stakeholders.”
Griffin was previously the vice president of education and program management for United Fresh Produce Association where she led the programs and events staff, developed programming for produce industry professionals, directed its conferences and oversaw member education opportunities. She also served as director of meetings and member programs for United Fresh for four years, managed curriculum and logistics for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and was a meetings associate for the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
“I feel very fortunate to be joining such a wonderful team and am excited to continue building out industry relationships to better serve the blueberry sector,” said Griffin. “I’m looking forward to creating programs and engagement opportunities helping to grow talent within the industry and showcasing the value of blueberries to the world at large.”
About the North American Blueberry Council
Since 1965, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) has been the voice of the blueberry industry in the U.S. and Canada. NABC’s members represent approximately 70% of the North American highbush blueberry crop. NABC was instrumental in the establishment of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHABC), a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Learn more at nabcblues.org.
About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.org.
