FRESNO, CA - A long-time California fresh produce advocate will soon be spreading their wings and flying into a new industry role. We recently learned that in the spring of 2025, Ian LeMay, the current California Fresh Fruit Association President, will become President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Table Grape Commission (CTGC).

According to a press release, LeMay will join the commission staff as incoming President once he finds and successfully transitions his successor. He will succeed Kathleen Nave, who has served in the lead staff role since January 1999 when she succeeded Bruce Obbink.

Nave joined the commission in 1987 and plans to retire in the spring of 2025. According to her, the CTGC has a history of choosing its President and CEO carefully, allowing time for the incoming leader to transition into the role. In its 55-year history, there have been only three commission Presidents, two of whom served for over 25 years.

Nave commented on the leadership transition in the organization’s recent press release.

“We are thrilled that Ian accepted the offer to join the commission team and to transition into the lead role,” said Nave. “Ian is successfully leading an important industry organization now and will bring his experience, expertise, character, and knowledge of the issues growers face to the work of the commission. Having worked closely with Ian since he took over as President of the association almost four years ago, I have seen his commitment to growers exhibited many times and truly look forward to working with him and watching him take on the worldwide promotion of California table grapes!”

We look forward to seeing what Ian LeMay does in his next role as a California produce advocate.

California Table Grape Commission