Meet the newest Class of the USHBC’s Blueberry Leadership Program 

Folsom, California, June 4, 2026 — The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) today announced the fourth cohort of fellows accepted into its Blueberry Industry Leadership Program. Launched in 2022, the program was designed to elevate up-and-coming leaders by providing in-depth training, industry education and meaningful connections with leadership across the supply chain.

This year’s class includes 11 professionals representing diverse sectors of the global blueberry industry.

Over the course of the 15-month program, fellows will take part in an immersive curriculum that includes in-person industry trips, virtual interactive sessions, leadership development, networking opportunities and an intensive capstone project.

Since its inception, the program has continued to serve as a cornerstone for leadership development across the blueberry sector. The program was originally developed by the USHBC Industry Engagement Committee and USHBC Vice President of Engagement and Education Amanda Griffin, and continues to grow with the foundational support of program sponsor Fall Creek.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this impressive group of leaders as our fourth class of fellows,” said Oregon grower and USHBC Chair Ellie Norris. “Since launching the leadership program, we’ve seen strong interest from passionate professionals across the supply chain, which makes the selection process extremely difficult each year. This class reflects the depth of talent, energy and commitment within our industry, and we’re proud to provide an opportunity that prepares the leaders to guide the blueberry industry into the future.”

The class 4 fellows are:

• Ashley Borja, Customer Development Manager, Driscoll’s
• Alonso Cateriano, Head of Blueberry Sales, Agricola Cerro Prieto S.A.
• Laina Gray, Sales and Product Specialist, Oxbo International
• Logan Hart, Blueberry Field and Quality Assurance Specialist, California Giant Berry Farms
• Scott Herron, Grower Support, Fall Creek Farm & Nursery
• Mark Lemke, Blueberry Product Manager, Sun Belle LLC
• Doug Rombach, Senior Procurement Strategy Coordinator, North Bay Produce
• Abigail Sakuma, Sales Operations Manager, Sakuma Brothers Farm
• Christian Shehadey, Sales Representative/Account Manager, Family Tree Farms
• Fletcher Simmons, Operations Manager, Straughn Farms
• Madison Thelen, Product Manager, Naturipe Farms

As part of the program, these 11 fellows will learn from decades-long industry leaders, build their leadership skill sets, strengthen their professional networks and engage with the program’s growing alumni community from three previous classes. Through this shared experience, fellows will help carry forward the knowledge, collaboration and leadership needed to support the continued growth of the blueberry industry.

Applications for class 5 will open in fall 2027.

For more information on the Blueberry Industry Leadership Program, visit ushbc.blueberry.org/get-involved/industry-leadership-development-program/

About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org and blueberry.org