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.
April Aymami
Director of Industry Affairs and Operations
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.
Zachary Benedict
Director of Marketing
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.
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.
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.
Ken Melban
Vice President, Industry Affairs and Operations
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.
Lori Small
Marketing Manager
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.
Terry Splane
Vice President Marketing
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.
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.
