Sep 17, 2025California Walnut Commission welcomes new board members
The California Walnut Commission has announced the election of new board members who will serve two-year terms beginning Sept. 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2027. The nomination period was open from May 1 through June 2, 2025.
The commission board is made up of eight producer members and four handler members, along with alternates for each seat. For this upcoming term, seven new individuals are joining the board.
District 1 – Producer Members
- Jay Colombini, Linden
- Ashley DeValentine McKenzie, Rio Oso
- R. Davin Norene, Woodland
- Kali Dittrich, Clements (new)
District 1 – Alternates
- Jack Vickery, Winters
- Donald Norene, Rio Oso
- Henry Gilbert, Wheatland (new)
- John Heier, Live Oak (new)
District 2 – Producer Members
- Darrell Cordova, Denair
- Andrew Souza, Crows Landing (new)
- Neil Jolliff, Modesto (new)
- Everett Souza Jr., Crows Landing (new)
District 2 – Alternates
- Gordon Heinrich, Modesto
- Gurjant Khosa, Fowler
- Two open seats
Handler Members
- Brian Dunning, Olivehurst
- Jack Mariani, Winters
- Charles R. Crain Jr., Los Molinos
- Christopher Cromwell, Stockton (new)
Handler Alternates
- Jeffrey Sleeper, Orland
- William Carriere, Glen
- William Crain, Los Molinos
- Matt Langford, Stockton
“Our new commission board members represent the next generation of leadership for California Walnuts,” said Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Commission, in a release. “Their expertise, vision and dedication will be key as we work to grow global demand, support innovation and ultimately drive grower prosperity.”
Board members will support the industry’s strategic priorities, which include delivering high-quality walnuts, advancing international trade and consumer marketing, fostering innovation, defining sustainability as a competitive advantage, and continuing research on nutrition and health.
