WATSONVILLE, CA - With an already impressive level of category expertise, the California Strawberry Commission (CSC) is upping its prowess even more. The organization recently announced two key hires to advance the industry through research and communications, welcoming Dr. William “Bill” Turechek as the new Vice President of Research and Jeff Cardinale as the new Director of Communications.
“I am honored to join the California Strawberry Commission and I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know the many growers, shippers, and processors in the California strawberry industry,” said Turechek. “As the Vice President of Research, one of my primary goals is to work closely with the industry to identify key research needs, and then make it happen. In leading the Commission’s research efforts, I hope to empower California strawberry growers with the latest research and data to help them make the informed decisions that will advance strawberry farming in California.”
Turechek comes to the CSC after serving as a Research Plant Pathologist at the USDA-ARS Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, Florida. There, he worked on epidemiology and management of strawberry and vegetable diseases.
“We are excited to have Dr. Turechek join the California Strawberry Commission and utilize his expertise to aid the 400-plus family-owned strawberry farming operations in California,” said Rick Tomlinson, California Strawberry Commission President.
The CSC also named Cardinale as the new Director of Communications.
As part of the marketing and media relations campaigns, Cardinale plans to introduce new ways of reaching the media, as well as the local strawberry farming communities to stay engaged with the industry, a press release explained.
“On behalf of the 400-plus California strawberry growers, shippers, and processors, I am excited to join the California Strawberry Commission,” said Cardinale. “There are incredible stories to tell about the California strawberry industry, from the remarkable opportunities for field workers becoming farm owners, to the fact that 97 cents of every California strawberry dollar goes right back into the community. These are just a few of the many great things happening in the California strawberry industry, and I look forward to showcasing those stories.”
Tomlinson also commented on Cardinale’s recent appointment.
"We are delighted to have Jeff on board,” he said. “He brings nearly 10 years of agriculture communications experience as well as extensive work in proactive and crisis communications. The commission is confident Jeff will serve the industry well.”
Click here for more details on these recent appointments. Congratulations to these two strawberry aces!
