National Honey Board Swears in New Board Members

Firestone, Colorado, May 8, 2017 – At its most recent board meeting, the National Honey Board (NHB) swore in its newest members, appointed by former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appoints members to the NHB after reviewing qualified nominations from certified national organizations.

At its most recent board meeting, the National Honey Board swore in its newest
members appointed by former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

Prior to the day and a half board meeting, which took place April 20-21 in San Diego, new members attended an onboarding session hosted by NHB and USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) staff members. In this session, new board members were introduced to the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 and the Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Information Order, both of which outline the rules and regulations that oversee the running of the NHB. NHB and AMS staff also explained the responsibilities and expectations that come with being appointed to the Board.

The following appointees will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2017, and ending Dec. 31, 2019, except the additional alternate producer member, who will serve the remainder of a term expiring Dec. 31, 2018.

  • Blake Shook of Melissa, Texas – Producer Board Member
  • Joan Gunter of Towner, N.D. – Producer Alternate
  • Joseph Sanroma of Lecompte, La – Producer Alternate
  • Michelle Poulk of Waxahachie, Texas – First Handler Board Member
  • Melissa Ashurst-Foott of El Centro, Cali. – First Handler Alternate
  • Andy Sargeantson of New Canaan, Conn. – Importer Board Member
  • Gregory Olson of Bloomington, Minn. – Importer Alternate
  • Lisa Hansel of Sioux City, Iowa – Marketing Cooperative Board Member
  • Jeff Hull of Battle Lake, Minn. – Marketing Cooperative Alternate

The National Honey Board is an industry-funded agriculture promotion group that works to educate consumers about the benefits and uses for honey and honey products through research, marketing and promotional programs. The Board is made up of ten members and ten alternates that meets twice a year. For more information, visit www.honey.com.