Walnuts being processed.

The advisory board represents a wide array of industry experience and expertise, enabling the board to critically guide research fund investments with an eye toward feasibility and scalability. We assembled a tremendous group of academic members, campus leadership and industry leaders to contribute their expertise and networks in furtherance of the board’s mission.

  • Helene R. Dillard, Professor of Plant Pathology and Dean, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Co-Chair
  • Jason E. Bond, Professor of Entomology and Nematology and Associate Dean, for Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Co-Chair
  • Fadi A. Fathallah, Professor and Chair, Biological and Agricultural Engineering 
  • Melissa Haworth, Senior Director, Corporate and Foundation Engagement, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences 
  • Susan Ebeler, Professor of Viticulture and Enology and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Academic Programs, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences 
  • Michael O’Banion, Director of the Strategy Group, The Wonderful Company
  • Chris Zanobini, President and CEO, AG Association Management Services, Inc. 
  • Peggy Furth, Co-Founder, WholeVine Products
  • Stephen Vasquez, Executive Director, Administrative Committee for Pistachios
  • Josette Lewis, Chief Scientific OfficerAlmond Board of California
  • Ryan Bogard, Global Innovation Director, Global Fermentation Program Lead, MARS Pet Nutrition