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
Monica Arnett
Director of Finance and Administration
Monica manages and directs the financial, accounting and administratice activities of the California Avocado Commission. She also works closely with the Board Treasurer to ensure the integrity of CAC funds.
April Aymami
Industry Affairs Director
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.
Tom Bellamore
President
Tom leads the California Avocado Commission and its just over 2,000 commercial growers. He has supervisory oversight of marketing and non-marketing functions and guides CAC's strategic and financial planning, business plan development and fiscal and personnel management.
Zachary Benedict
Online Marketing Director
Zac’s primary responsibilities as online marketing director include management of CAC’s online marketing; the CaliforniaAvocado.com website, social and digital media, as well as The Scoop blog.
David Cruz
Business Development Director
Dave is CAC’s business development director overseeing CAC’s trade activities including the retail and foodservice programs. He also coordinates CAC’s participation in a wide variety of industry festivals and events.
Jan DeLyser
Vice President Marketing
As vice president of marketing, Jan manages the Commission’s consumer and trade marketing staff and agencies in the development and implementation of CAC’s integrated marketing programs.
Angela Fraser
Marketing Manager
Angela oversees the Commission’s nutrition communications program, recipe development and CAC’s participation in the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit exposition.
Stacia Kierulff
Human Resources Manager
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.
Miriam Martinez
Accounting Clerk
As the Commission's accounting clerk, Miriam handles accounts payable and receivable. She also assists with the administration of the California Avocado Commission's front office.
Ken Melban
Vice President of Industry Affairs
Ken manages and implements a wide variety of programs that address key industry issues such as GAP, water pricing and product registrations. He also advocates on behalf of California avocado growers at a state and federal level with government officials.
Tim Spann
Research Program Director
Tim manages CAC’s Production Research Program, collaborates with industry researchers, identifies research priorities, develops long-term research strategies to improve grower sustainability and implements outreach activities and field days.
Connie Stukenberg
Retail Marketing Director
Connie is CAC’s retail marketing director for California and Arizona with corporate account responsibility for Costco and Albertsons Companies.
Cristina Wede
Office Manager
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.
