<p><strong>Irvine, CA</strong><img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/WGforspotlightfinal.jpg" alt="New WG Leadership Introduced at 87th Annual Meeting - IMAGE" /><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Western Growers Board of Directors recently installed Stephen J. Barnard, president and CEO of Mission Produce, Inc. as the new chairman of the organization at the 87th Annual Meeting. Barnard will take over volunteer leadership responsibilities from outgoing Chairman Mike Jarrard, CEO of Mann Packing Company.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Barnard founded Mission Produce in 1983 as a regional avocado packer. Today, the company has operations throughout the U.S. and the world and sells both fresh and frozen avocados. He graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a degree in agricultural business and began his career with Santa Clara Produce, Inc. Barnard joined the Western Growers Board Of Directors in 1996.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The Board also selected Vic Smith, president and CEO of JV Smith Companies, as vice chairman; Mark Teixeira of Teixeira Farms as treasurer; John Manfre of Capurro and Sons as secretary. The Board also welcomed new board members Dominic DiMare, of DiMare Company; David Dever, of Sun World; Terry Orr, of Exeter Ivanhoe; and Ron Ratto, of Ratto Bros. The Board also thanked outgoing directors John Powell, Jr. and Steve Smith.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.Wga.com" target="_new"> Western Growers Board Association </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
