Committees, Subcommittees, Advisory Boards, and Task Forces

The USHBC is an organization fueled by the dedication and passion of our industry. Our committees are the engine that drives us forward.

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Executive Committee

Oversees all business and operations of the USHBC, supporting all efforts to grow the value of and sell more blueberries to people in the U.S. and around the world.

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Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the Council including the recommendation and monitoring of the annual budget; assessment collection and compliance; investment of Council funds; fiscal reporting and annual financial audit. The Treasurer serves as the Chairperson of this committee. 

The Committee will be composed of the Treasurer, two (2) Council members and three (3) at-large members appointed by the Council Chairperson.

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Industry Engagement Committee

The Industry Engagement Committee supports the Council and Executive Committee in developing strategies to enhance engagement of industry professionals in USHBC meetings, events and programs and in governance roles.  The Committee considers improvements in efficiency and effectiveness of USHBC governance and the leadership development system, including the recruitment, leadership succession planning and the appointment process of the executive committee members, importers, and public member positions for the Council.

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Promotion Committee

The Promotion Committee is delegated by the Council to oversee and review all U.S. markets and global market development promotion and marketing plans and fields market research studies to inform program development and evaluation.  The Committee receives and considers program budget recommendations from the Health Research Advisory Board and the Global Business Development Advisory Board and is responsible for ensuring that overall program budget recommendations align with the strategic plan goals.

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Food Service Subcommittee (Promotion)

• Kyla Oberman – Chair (term 12/31/2027)  
• Ray Biln -Vice Chair (2nd term 12/31/2026) 
• Stephanie Kleiner (term 12/31/2028)  
• Josh Scheel (term 12/31/2027)  
• Bruce Turner (term 12/31/2027) 
• Brian Bocock – (2nd term 12/31/2028) 

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Retail Subcommittee (Promotion)

• Kyla Oberman – Chair (term 12/31/2027)  
• Jim Roberts – Vice Chair (term 12/31/2028)  
• Karen Brux – (2nd term 12/31/2026)  
• Jody McPherson – (term 12/31/2026)  
• Todd Eagan – (term 12/31/2028)  
• Bonnie Lundblad – (2nd term 12/31/2026) 

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Food Manufacturing Subcommittee (Promotion)

• Jeff Malensky – Chair (term 12/31/2026)  
• Felipe Silva – Vice Chair (term 12/31/2026)  
• Chad Don (term 12/31/2027)   
• Josh Scheel (term 12/31/2028)  
• John Shelford (2nd term 12/31/2026)     
• Haley Noonan (term 12/31/2028)

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Health Research Advisory Board

The Health Research Advisory Board defines recommends and manages priority research projects that demonstrate the health benefits of blueberries.  The work of the Advisory Board supports success in strategies for market development.

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Global Business Development Advisory Board

The Global Business Development Advisory Board identifies, reviews, and recommends proposals and programs (including those funded by USDA FAS Trade Programs) that have the greatest potential to increase U.S. highbush blueberry export volume. The work of the Advisory Board supports success in USHBC strategies for export market development for U.S. production and to inspire global market development that helps achieve the USHBC’s vision to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit.

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BerrySmart Insights Fresh Task Force 

The BerrySmart Insights Fresh Task Force provides strategic guidance to the USHBC for improving BerrySmart Insights Fresh. The task force helps ensure the platform delivers accurate, actionable insights that support improved decision-making and drive value for stakeholders across the blueberry industry.

• Sarah Quackenbush – Chair
• Darren Sinn
• Markus Duran
• Travis Kuhn
• David Miller
• Doug LaCroix
• Ernesto Diaz 
• Andrew Maiman 
• Stephanie Kleiner
• Luis Miguel Domingo Vegas Arias Stella
• Joe Klick
• Andres Armstrong
• Juan Flores

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BerrySmart Food Safety Task Force

The BerrySmart Food Safety Task Force would be convened each year or as needed to address particular food safety trends, emerging issues or project/initiative work, and would work with staff to provide any information, recommendations or reports to the Council for consideration and/or action.

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BerrySmart Technology Task Force

The BerrySmart Technology Task Force would be convened each year or as needed to address particular technology and innovation trends, emerging issues or project/initiative work, and would work with staff to provide any information, recommendations or reports to the Council for consideration and/or action.

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BerrySmart Sustainability Task Force

The Berry Smart Sustainability would be convened each year or as needed to address particular sustainability trends, emerging issues or project/initiative work, and would work with staff to provide any information, recommendations or reports to the Council for consideration and/or action.

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