Melban first joined the CAC in 2011 as director, issues management and has served as the organisation’s vice president of industry affairs and operations, as well as co-executive leader of the organisation, since late 2023
The California Avocado Commission (CAC) board of directors has promoted Ken Melban to the role of president, from 22 May 2025.
Melban joined the CAC in 2011 as director, issues management. In 2015 he was promoted to vice president, industry affairs and has served as vice president of industry affairs and operations, as well as co-executive leader of the organisation, since late 2023.
“Ken has demonstrated outstanding leadership of the Commission’s financial and administrative operations as well as industry affairs programmes,” said Jason Cole, CAC chair. “He has a keen understanding of the challenges faced by California avocado growers and the vitality to advocate passionately for their interests, along with the vision to recognise new opportunities and bring them to fruition.”
Melban has worked with government and other organisations for the benefit of California avocado growers, including advocating on growers’ behalf after devasting fires and petitioning the US government to prevent the introduction of potentially devastating pests from imported avocados, a priority effort that is ongoing today. He led the development and widespread adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for the California avocado industry and spearheaded the expansion of the California avocado export programme, persisting to secure market access to China in 2020 after nine years of process and negotiation.
Melban’s previous two decades of produce leadership included working with California commodity boards and the National Grape & Wine Initiative. He holds a Bachelor of Arts as well as a Master of Arts degree in leadership and organisational studies from Fresno Pacific University. Throughout his career Melban has served with numerous community service organisations as well as with the California Department of Food and Agriculture Climate Change Adaptation Consortium and Ventura AG Futures Alliance.
