EXETER, CA - California Citrus Mutual (CCM) is pleased to announce the selection of Tom Danowski as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following an extensive search conducted by the CCM Board of Directors.

Danowski brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience spanning agriculture, advocacy, trade association management, and marketing. Most recently, he served for 13 years as President and CEO of the Oregon Wine Board and Oregon Winegrowers Association. During his tenure, he helped drive the Oregon wine industry's total annual economic impact from $2.7 billion to $8 billion through industry collaboration, strategic advocacy, and public policy work.

Prior to leading Oregon's wine industry, Danowski held senior executive positions with several nationally recognized consumer brands, including Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola. His background combines strategic marketing expertise, operational leadership, and extensive experience working with both agricultural producers and policymakers.

"We are excited to welcome Tom to California Citrus Mutual," said Julia Inestroza, CCM Board Chair. "The Board was looking for a leader with strong agricultural and advocacy experience who could help guide our organization into the future. With Tom's leadership, experience working with growers, and ability to build strong relationships with policymakers, we are confident he will be a great leader for CCM and California's citrus industry."

Danowski said he was drawn to the opportunity because of California citrus's reputation and the organization's strong leadership.

"Citrus is one of California’s most iconic agricultural industries. California citrus has an outstanding reputation, and CCM has a highly respected Board of Directors and a dedicated team working on behalf of growers, said Danowski in the recent release. “It's an exciting opportunity to bring what I've learned from another premium specialty crop industry and apply it to helping California citrus continue to thrive."

"I look forward to building on the tremendous work already underway, continuing the energy and vision that have made California citrus so successful, and helping lawmakers and policymakers develop an even deeper understanding of the industry's importance to California agriculture and our economy,” he continued.

Ryan Young of Sun Pacific, who served on the CEO Search Committee, said the Board was intentional in finding a leader with the right blend of advocacy experience and executive leadership.

"After an extensive and thoughtful search process, it became clear that Tom possesses the qualities we are looking for. He understands grower-funded organizations, has a strong track record of working with government leaders, and has successfully led a major agricultural trade association through significant growth and change,” said Young.

As CEO, Danowski will lead CCM's advocacy efforts on behalf of California citrus growers at the state and federal levels while overseeing the organization's membership services, communications, industry partnerships, and strategic initiatives. He will officially begin his role as CEO on September 1, 2026.