Elections Underway at Almond Board of California
April 21, 2022 
Credit: Almond Board of California
Voting began April 21 to select two independent grower positions and one independent handler position on the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors. Alternate seats for those spots are also open. Voting ends May 26.
“Every vote is important,” ABC President and CEO Richard Waycott said. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on the Board of Directors to guide the work of the Almond Board and to help the industry navigate these complicated times.”
Candidates for the independent grower positions are:
- Grower Position One, Member (1-year term): Paul Ewing, Los Banos (incumbent)
- Grower Position One, Alternate: Brian Wahlbrink, Sonora (petitioner) and Katie Staack-Dorsett, Waterford (petitioner)
- Grower Position Two, Member (3-year term): Brandon Rebiero, Modesto (petitioner) and Lee Erickson, Madera (petitioner)
- Position One, Alternate: Michael O’Banion, Firebaugh (petitioner
Candidates for the independent handler positions:
- Handler Position Three, Member (1-year term): Darren Rigg, Le Grand (incumbent)
- Handler Position Three, Alternate: Chad DeRose, McFarland (incumbent), Jonathan Hoff, Denair (petitioner), and Spencer Birch, Wasco (petitioner)
The results will be announced June 1. The new board will start its term Aug. 1.
Ballots and instructions were mailed to all independent growers and handlers whose names are on file with ABC. Ballots must be received by ABC by May 26. Any independent grower or handler who does not receive a ballot can contact Toni Arellano at [email protected].
The ABC board, comprised of five handler and five grower representatives, sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control, and food safety.
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