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Blueberry Industry Leadership Program

USHBC brings together rising professionals across the blueberry supply chain to empower the next generation of industry leaders.

Leadership Starts Here

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The Blueberry Industry Leadership Program, launched in March 2021, is designed to elevate up-and-coming leaders in the blueberry industry by providing in-depth training, industry education and connection to other ag leaders for passionate blueberry professionals across the supply chain.

PAST PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

What fellows will experience and learn:

Immersive personalized leadership training.

Knowledge sharing from industry veterans and thought-leaders.

Innovation and technology deep‑dive.

Impacts of advancements in health and nutrition.

Presentation and media training.

How to build business relationships and activate your network.

Camaraderie among fellows to create a lifelong support network.

Is This Program Right for Me?

The best candidates for the Blueberry Industry Leadership Program are passionate individuals who want to take an active role in leading the next era of growth for blueberries. Growers (domestic and international), processors, handlers, exporters and buyers are eligible to apply.

Evaluation Criteria


  • Demonstration of leadership potential.
  • Passion and commitment to the success of the blueberry industry.
  • Career relevance to the blueberry industry.
  • Professional credentials.
  • Letters of recommendation.

Selection Process


  • Application Process for Class 5 will be open in September 2027.
  • The Selection Committee plans to select fellows by spring 2028.

The selection of applicants is the sole responsibility of the USHBC Industry Leadership Program Selection Committee, which is composed of USHBC board and committee members or other volunteering blueberry industry stakeholders. While USHBC staff have a role in facilitating the review of applicants, the selection committee will ultimately select program fellows.

Program Commitment

Participation in the USHBC Blueberry Industry Leadership Program requires significant commitment by selected candidates and their employers.

Employer/ employee commitment

Applicants must be currently employed by a company or organization with involvement in the highbush blueberry industry. Up to one applicant per company will be selected to participate in the program. In addition, participants must commit to complete the program under the employment of their current company. If a participant changes companies during the program year, they must withdraw from the program.

Program fee

Candidates or their sponsoring organization must also agree to pay the program fee of $2,500, if selected, to be used toward program expenses and materials. If a candidate is unable to pay the program fee, the opportunity to participate in the program will be forfeited. Payment instructions will be provided following the selection process.

Attendance and participation

Participants must agree to fulfill the entire program, including travel for in-person sessions. You’ll be asked to confirm your availability and commitment to attending the sessions as outlined in the anticipated schedule in the application form. If a participant fails to attend at least 90% of sessions, they will not be able to graduate from the program. Exceptions will be made for major life events or extenuating circumstances.

Program Schedule:

The program schedule is tentative and subject to slight adjustments. Please note both virtual and in-person dates and timing.

In-Person Class Trip Dates*

  • October 2026
  • TBD 2026
  • TBD 2027
  • TBD 2027
  • October 2027 – Graduation!

*5 trips.

Virtual Engagement Sessions*


  • 2026: 5 sessions TBD
  • 2027: 5 sessions TBD

* 10 sessions.

In addition to participating in the schedule, program fellows will complete a capstone project that addresses an important blueberry industry issue of their choosing. Following the program kickoff, topics must be submitted for approval by the selection committee.

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Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Apply today.

Add your name to the notification list to be informed when the application process for Leadership Class 5 opens, by clicking here.

Apply now

Mandy Boarman

Industry & Community
Engagement Manager

[email protected]

Amanda Griffin

Vice President of
Engagement and Education

[email protected]

Meet the Members of Class #4

Abigail Sakuma

Abigail Sakuma

Sakuma Bros. Farm

Ashley Borja

Ashley Borja

Driscoll’s

Christain Shehadey

Christian Shehadey

Family Tree Farms

Doug Rombach

Doug Rombach

North Bay Produce

Fletcher Simmons

Fletcher Simmons

Straughn Farms

Alonso Cateriano

Alonso Cateriano

Agricola Cerro Prieto S.A.

Laina Gray

Laina Gray

Oxbo International

Logan Hart

Logan Hart

California Giant Berry Farms

Madison Thelen

Madison Thelen

Naturipe Farms

Mark Lemke

Sun Belle, LLC

Scott Herron

Scott Herron

Fall Creek Farm & Nursery