California Citrus Mutual (CCM) has selected Tom Danowski as its new CEO effective Sept. 1. Danowski most recently served 13 years as president and CEO of the Oregon Wine Board and Oregon Winegrowers Association. There, he helped drive the Oregon wine industry’s total annual economic impact from $2.7 billion to $8 billion, CCM reported.
Prior to working in Oregon’s wine industry, Danowski held senior executive positions with several nationally recognized consumer brands, including Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Starbucks and Coca-Cola. His background includes strategic marketing expertise, operational leadership, and experience working with agricultural producers and policymakers.
“The board was looking for a leader with strong agricultural and advocacy experience who could help guide our organization into the future,” said CCM Board Chair Julia Inestroza. “With Tom’s leadership, experience working with growers and ability to build strong relationships with policymakers, we are confident he will be a great leader for CCM and California’s citrus industry.”
Ryan Young of Sun Pacific, who served on CCM’s CEO Search Committee, said Danowski “understands grower-funded organizations, has a strong track record of working with government leaders and has successfully led a major agricultural trade association through significant growth and change.”
“Citrus is one of California’s most iconic agricultural industries,” Danowski said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to bring what I’ve learned from another premium specialty crop industry and apply it to helping California citrus continue to thrive. I look forward to building on the tremendous work already underway, continuing the energy and vision that have made California citrus so successful, and helping lawmakers and policymakers develop an even deeper understanding of the industry’s importance to California agriculture and our economy.”
Danowski will lead CCM’s advocacy efforts on behalf of California citrus growers at the state and federal levels. He will also oversee the organization’s membership services, communications, industry partnerships and strategic initiatives.
CCM is a voluntary, non-profit trade association representing California citrus growers on economic, regulatory and political issues.
Source: CCM
Share this Post