The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) and U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) have named Kasey Cronquist as the new president, effective July 29, according to a news release. The councils’ current executive director, Mark Villata, will retire at the end of this year.
“After 25 exciting and rewarding years working for the North American Blueberry Council and U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, I’m pleased to be welcoming the next phase of leadership in Kasey,” said Villata. “We’ve seen the blueberry industry grow tremendously over the years and I’m optimistic the organization will continue to remain an industry leader for many years to come.”
According to the news release, Cronquist will serve all blueberry industry members by providing oversight and insight on the USHBC’s national promotion, health research and education programs and will lead the NABC in its role as a voice for the highbush blueberry industry.
Cronquist joins the blueberry industry after 12 years as CEO and ambassador for the California Cut Flower Commission, where he was responsible for revenue generation, grant management, advocacy efforts and public awareness campaigns for the organization’s programs and products.
—by Jonelle Mejica
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