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CAC Staff

Meet Your Commission Staff

California Avocado Commission staff are a valuable resource for California avocado growers. We can provide you with the latest news concerning cultural management issues, legislation and research that affects the California avocado industry. We also welcome feedback concerning the issues and challenges you face and will do our best to advocate on your behalf. View CAC Organization Chart.

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April Aymami

Director of Industry Affairs and Operations
19 years with CAC

April is responsible for industry communications and the collection/dissemination of crop statistics and industry data. She manages governance functions, such as redistricting, continuing referenda, conflict of interest compliance and the CAC's election process. 

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Zachary Benedict

Director of Marketing
20 years with CAC

Zac’s primary responsibilities as director of marketing include management of CAC’s online marketing; the CaliforniaAvocado.com website, social and digital media, as well as The Scoop blog.

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Stacia Kierulff

Stacia Kierulff

Human Resources Manager
15 years with CAC

Stacia’s primary responsibility is management of CAC’s Human Resource department, including payroll and employee benefits. She also helps the Administration and Industry Affairs departments plan meetings and offsite industry events.

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Headshot of Ken Melban

Ken Melban

President
14 years with CAC

As President, Ken is responsible for the proper administration of all actions and policies of the Commission. He serves as the spokesperson for the California avocado industry, advocating on behalf of growers at a state and federal level with government officials, as well as on key industry issues such as trade, food safety, water pricing/availability and product registrations.

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Lori Small

Lori Small

Senior Marketing Manager
1 year with CAC

Lori’s primary responsibilities include management of CAC’s social media outreach and consumer public relations programs and agencies. She also handles marketing program communications for a variety of activities. 

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Terry Splane

Terry Splane

Vice President Marketing
2 years with CAC

As vice president of marketing, Terry manages the Commission’s consumer and trade marketing staff and agencies in the development and implementation of CAC’s integrated marketing programs.

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Cristina Wede

Cristina Wede

Office Manager
21 years with CAC

Cristina is responsible for management of the front office activities at CAC including coordination of on and off site meetings. In addition, Cristina acts as the first point of contact for grower and industry inquiries.
 

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Karolyn Woods

Marketing Coordinator
1 week with CAC

Karolyn’s primary responsibilities include coordination of trade programs, retail and food service objectives, and marketing budgets. In addition, Karolyn oversees export promotions and merchandising efforts.