The California Walnut Board (CWB) recently announced that Michelle McNeil Connelly, will succeed Dennis A. Balint as Executive Director of the CWB and Chief Executive Officer of the of the California Walnut Commission (CWC).
The California Walnut Board (CWB) recently announced that Michelle McNeil Connelly, Sr. Marketing Director, International will succeed Dennis A. Balint as Executive Director of the CWB and Chief Executive Officer of the of the California Walnut Commission (CWC), effective November 1, 2016.
Ms. Connelly joined the CWB in 2004. She has directed an expanding portfolio of export programs in executing the walnut industry’s global brand strategy. She has worked closely with partners in government including USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Most recently Ms. Connelly led the initiative to open the high potential market in India.
California Walnut Board, Budget & Personnel Chairman Bill Tos expressed the Board’s confidence in Ms. Connelly, “Michelle has a broad and solid understanding of our industry, our issues and has helped build many of the industry’s markets, making her the ideal candidate to lead us into the next chapter.”
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“I am honored to serve as Executive Director and CEO,” said Ms. Connelly. “I believe in the power of our industry, working together, growers, handlers and our staff, at all levels who contribute to providing the best product to our consumers around the world. I am committed to our strategy of increasing demand for our excellent product. While we have many challenges ahead of us, I am confident in our people, programs, and our brand”. Dennis A. Balint has served as Executive Director/CEO since 1995. Mr. Balint has been instrumental in leading the growth of the industry, which has grown from 247,000 short tons to 670,000* short tons during his nearly thirty years of service. Mr. Balint firmly established California walnuts as a leader in health research which resulted in the first USDA qualified health claim for a whole food for walnuts heart health benefits. Mr. Balint will assume the role of Special Assistant, providing counsel on key projects. *estimated production for 2016/17 crop year |
