Hass Avocado Board Announces New Executive Committee for 2026 Board Year
March 20, 2026 | 3 min to read
First Female Chairperson Takes Helm as Market Volume Exceeds 3-Billion Pounds
MISSION VIEJO, Calif. – The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) has announced the election of its 2026 executive committee, ushering in a new year of leadership and strategic direction for the organization.
As of March 17, 2026, the following individuals have assumed executive committee roles:
- Importer, Gwen Jackimek – Chairperson
- Producer, Jamie Johnson – Vice Chairperson
- Importer, LeighAnne Neary – Treasurer
- Producer, Jeff Dickinson – Secretary
“The Hass Avocado Board achieved history-making milestones throughout 2025, including crossing the 3-billion-pound market threshold and elevating avocados to a produce aisle powerhouse,” said Jackimek. “I’m honored to take the helm of our new executive committee at this critical juncture for the market and make further history as the Hass Avocado Board’s first female Chairperson.”
Jackimek is a graduate from Class 2 of HAB’s Board Leadership Development program (BOLD) and further commented, “I have spent my entire career in the produce industry with a strong commitment to avocados. I am a proud graduate of BOLD and am thankful for a program that clearly defines the pathway to effective board leadership and for its role in developing future industry stewards.”
As HAB eagerly anticipates Jackimek and the new committee’s leadership, the Board also expresses deep appreciation to Bob Schaar, Elaine Bannatyne, Debbie Willmann, Rocco Fiore II, Daniel Harte, and Juan Monsalve, who completed their terms on October 31, 2025, and contributed significantly to the Board’s mission.
“The Executive Committee is central to HAB’s ability to advance its mission,” said Emiliano Escobedo, HAB Executive Director. “We are grateful for the dedication of our outgoing members and confident that our incoming committee will continue driving meaningful progress for the industry.”
HAB convenes quarterly to set priorities, share insights, and develop strategies that benefit the entire avocado sector. Its meetings are unique in including international importer representatives, fostering collaboration and the exchange of market data, sustainability practices, and marketing strategies. As the only independent organization serving the avocado industry, HAB plays a vital role in uniting stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making, and promoting growth across the supply chain. For more information about HAB and its programs, visit: HassAvocadoBoard.com.
About the Hass Avocado Board
The Hass Avocado Board (HAB)’s job is to make avocados America’s preferred healthy food for every meal. HAB is the only avocado organization that equips the entire global industry for success by collecting, focusing, and distributing investments to maintain and expand demand for avocados in the United States. HAB provides the industry with consolidated supply and market data, conducts nutrition research, educates health professionals, and brings people together from all corners of the industry to collectively work towards growth that benefits everyone. The organization also collects and reallocates funds to California and importer associations to benefit specific countries of origin in promoting their avocado brands to customers and consumers across the United States.