The current board chairperson for the Almond Board of California will switch seats in January to become the next president and CEO of the Almond Alliance, a membership-based advocacy trade association based in Turlock.

Alexi Rodriguez will assume her role with the Almond Alliance in January, bringing with her over 15 years of experience in the industry. Her tenure as an elected member of the Almond Board of California, a federal marketing order based in Modesto, will also end at that time.

She currently serves as the director of operations for Campos Brothers Farms, an almond producer and processor based in Fresno County, California.

“Her proven leadership and deep understanding of the almond industry make her the ideal choice to guide our organization into the future,” said Blake Vann, chairman of the Almond Alliance in a prepared statement.

“Alexi has been a steadfast advocate for the industry, and we are confident that under her leadership the Almond Alliance will continue to thrive and champion the interests of our members,” Vann continued.

Rodriguez’s appointment follows an extensive search process, underscoring the Almond Alliance’s commitment to finding a leader who embodies the organization's vision and values.

"I’m excited and honored to be selected to lead the Almond Alliance,” said Rodriguez. “I’m looking forward to utilizing my knowledge and experience to advocate for this great industry and connect with industry members as we navigate the challenges ahead.”

Almond Board of California President and CEO Clarice Turner said she looks forward to working with Rodriguez in her new role as the U.S. almond industry’s chief advocate. As a federal marketing order, the Almond Board is prohibited from lobbying and is therefore limited by federal law in its messaging. ABC has long collaborated with the Almond Alliance to provide technical information and data that then can be used by organizations like the Almond Alliance to advocate for the U.S. almond industry.

“All of us at the Almond Board of California are delighted to congratulate Alexi Rodriguez for being named the incoming President and CEO of the Almond Alliance,” said Turner. “We look forward to our remaining months working with Alexi as our current chair of the ABC Board of Directors, and thank her for her leadership, insight and energy in helping guide our board and in working hard to support the almond industry during a difficult economic period for California almonds and all of California farming. We also look forward to working with Alexi in her new role.”