IRVINE, CALIF. — Jeff Oberman has been named president of the California Avocado Commission by the group’s Board of Directors, effective Oct. 10. 

With 25 years of experience in the produce industry, Oberman has served as PRO*ACT’s vice president of sales the last two years. Before that position, he was also PRO*ACT’s vice president of strategic programs for two years. 

Prior to his roles at PRO*ACT, Oberman had worked for United Fresh since 1997, spending the majority of those years as vice president of trade relations. 

“We are very pleased that Jeff Oberman has accepted the position of California Avocado Commission president,” said Rob Grether, chair of the Commission Board of Directors. “Jeff’s broad network, non-profit association leadership and fresh produce business experience, including an end-to-end understanding of the needs of growers, handlers, distributors, foodservice operators and retail customers, makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead the California Avocado Commission.” 

“Having the opportunity to take the helm and build on the California Avocado Commission’s well-deserved reputation for innovative marketing and grower advocacy is exciting,” Oberman said. “Like most agricultural producers, California avocado growers face a host of ever-changing challenges, and I look forward to steering the Commission in support of long-term grower success.”