Meet Our Current and Past Chairs


CLARK GOLDEN
Vineland, New Jersey
Chair 2022

Clark Golden has a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Georgia and a Master in International Business Studies from The University of South Carolina. Clark worked in German automotive manufacturing in both Germany and Brazil before joining his brother, Greg Golden, and a lifelong friend, Gilmar Mello, at Amazon Produce in 2006 (scroll down to Greg’s bio to read the story). Greg, Gilmar, and Clark have since been joined by partner Sal Barba, Jr and many wonderful team members to build a fun and rewarding work environment to happily spend their days together!

Outside of work, Clark enjoys summertime with his wife and their 14- and 12-year-old children (2022 ages) at the beach and yearly visits to family in Brazil. Clark plays as much basketball as time allows!

How long have you been in the mango industry?

17 years

What advice would you give a new NMB Board Member?

Work on behalf of the entire industry. Don’t think about your own company nor your own country of origin. We all depend on each other in this industry to avoid negative consumer experiences that depress demand for the entire industry. If we work together as an industry to give the consumer year-round excellent mango experiences, all foreign producers, domestic producers, and importers will benefit as one united industry. The NMB is unquestionably the forum by which we come together and solve the issues we face together as an industry so take your duty to the industry as one of its selected delegates very seriously.

What is your favorite thing about the mango industry?

People are passionate about Mango. What a privilege to work with such a healthy, tasty, and fun product!

Where do you see the future of the mango industry?

Mango will continue to rise up the list of the most consumed fruits in the US and the most loved worldwide. Let’s keep our focus as an industry on providing savory consumer experiences and the growth will take care of itself!

JOJO SHIBA
Los Angeles, California
Chair 2020

Some of JoJo’s earliest memories are of going to farms in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas with her dad to check on crops and pick fruits and veggies for dinner. Her love of farm to table fresh produce grew from these early experiences picking everything from watermelons to onions. JoJo later attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising. She spent nearly 25 years in marketing and new business development before joining the family mango import business in 2006. JoJo’s passions include food, golf, and travel. Her goal is to play golf and experience the food culture on every continent.

How long have you been in the mango industry?

15 years

What advice would you give a new NMB Board Member?

The NMB is made up of a diverse group of mango professionals from several countries and sectors of the trade. Serving on the board is a unique opportunity to participate in the future of the mango industry. Each board member brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. I would encourage all new board members to contribute to the monthly calls and board meetings by asking questions and offering ideas and suggestions no matter how random they might seem. Sharing ideas and different points of view is how we learn from each other and improve the industry.

What is your favorite thing about the mango industry?

Mangos are exciting! People who love mangos LOVE MANGOS! For the past couple of years, we have seen mangos catch fire on social media. Mangos have become a big part of the daily lives of many consumers and watching that growth in popularity has been tremendously exciting and rewarding.

Where do you see the future of the mango industry?

The future of the mango industry is extremely bright. The NMB continues to excite and educate more and more consumers about mangos. People in all demographics are falling in love with the deliciously exotic mango flavor and coming back for more. Retailers are finding new creative ways to display and sell more every year. I see the industry continuing to grow to meet the ever-increasing demand for mangos. Perhaps in the future mangos will rival apple displays at retail with several varieties and colors to choose from.

MICHAEL WARREN
Pompano Beach, Florida
Chair 2018-2019

Michael grew up in the produce industry. At the age of 5 he was introduced to the family wholesale produce business in New England and continued in various parts of the industry through college while attending the University of Massachusetts with studies in Environmental Science. Michael went on to work in the new family business as an importer of produce from Central America and farming in Guatemala. Then his interests steered towards developing marketing programs for new products.

Mangos were first introduced to him when he lived in Haiti in 1973. Later in the family business he began importing mangos from Brazil. His passion for mango grew until they became a year-round supplier of mango.

Most free time is spent with family and friends.  He enjoys bike riding, kayaking, gardening, staying physically active, reading, traveling, listening to live music and now learning to play the saxophone.

How long have you been in the mango industry? 
22 years

What advice would you give a new NMB Board Member? 

Commit to the time, be creative and work as a team. Make your contribution count working together with extremely talented individuals from the industry, the NMB staff, and the professional people that the NMB works with in marketing, industry relations, communications and research. We have an opportunity to make a difference taking mango, the most consumed fruit in the world,  and educate the US consumer on the delicious flavor and nutrition and health benefits that are being uncovered each year. This is your time to be involved,  shaping the future of mango, the super fun super fruit as it becomes an everyday necessity.

What is your favorite thing about the mango industry? 

The expression when I introduce somebody to delicious mango for the first time. To see children to adults, develop that love for mango. Being part of unleashing the potential of mango, something that is delicious and beneficial.

Where do you see the future of the mango industry? 

20 years from now through the research and developmental breakthroughs mango will be sought after. The flavors will be known for their diversity. The health benefits will be cherished and make a difference to all who love to eat them. We are only beginning to understand how we can introduce a revolution of new varieties and one can only imagine the possibilities. We will see multiple varieties on the shelves for consumers to take home and savor.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2019.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2018.

Click to view the 2018 Annual Report.

GREG GOLDEN
Mullica Hill, New Jersey

Chair 2016-2017

Greg graduated from Georgia Tech in engineering and worked in manufacturing with GE. During his MBA program at the University of South Carolina, Greg researched import-export opportunities between Brazil and the USA with friend Gilmar Mello. He discovered mangoes were growing quickly and Gilmar had a family friend who was a grower and wanted to export. This turned into a class project and business plan and then they formed a company in their last semester to import this growers fruit. Since then they have expanded into most major growing regions. His interests and activities outside of work include playing basketball, coaching my kids sports teams, travel and fishing.

How long have you been in the mango Industry? 
17 years

What advice would you give a new NMB Board Member? 
Engage in conversations with all your suppliers and customer partners to get their ideas on how to improve our industry and bring those ideas to the NMB. Think way beyond your company’s interest to the final consumer. Learn as much as possible from older board members.

What is your favorite thing about the mango industry? 
We are learning and getting better every day. We have a natural great product, diverse and universal, that people love deeply and connect with. Mangos = happiness.

Where do you see the future of the mango industry? 
I believe we will see tremendous growth when/if we unify in our efforts to deliver the best possible eating experience to the consumer by delivering excelling eating varieties, grown, harvested and handled properly throughout the supply chain. The only thing that is holding us back is that so many consumer experiences are not what they should be. Great taste = repeat purchase.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2017.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2016.

Click to view the 2016 Annual Report.

Click to view the 2017 Annual Report.

DANNY POLLAK
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Chair 2015

Danny has been in the produce industry the majority of his life. He got his start in the mango industry, however, in 2004, along with his father and cousin, Danny took over ownership of Carb Americas.

Danny loves spending time with his family, which includes three kids (ages 3, 5, and 7). He enjoys playing ice hockey, fishing and having a good time with friends.

How long have you been in the mango industry? 
12 years

What advice would you give a new NMB Board Member? 
Get involved. Voice your opinion and don’t worry about status quo. The board is a dynamic changing environment. If you just want to get along to go along, then it won’t grow and develop. Be creative and think out of the box. Take chances.

What is your favorite thing about the mango industry? 
The people who make up the industry. Everyone has a love for the fruit, not in the business just to try and make money.

Where do you see the future of the mango industry? 
The mango industry has unlimited potential here in the U.S. We are just in the infancy stages of this commodity. I’m excited to see how this industry grows and develops into the future.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2015.

Click to view the 2015 Annual Report.

BILL VOGEL
Los Angeles, California

Chair 2013-2014

Bill graduated from St. Johns University in Minnesota and taught high school algebra for two years. He then went into sales at CH Robinson since he had experience unloading rail cars of potatoes and vegetables at American Fruit in Minneapolis. His first mango deal was in Florida with Ed Mitchell. He then worked with mangos from southern Nayarit, Mexico in the late 70's. He has been involved in the mango business ever since. He formed Tavilla Sales in 1980 and changed the name in 2012 to Vision Produce. 

During his spare time, Bill used to play tennis, snow and water ski, jump out of planes and swim in many different beaches. He also became an organic avocado, lime and mango grower in California.

How long have you been in the mango industry? 
40 years

What advice would you give a new NMB Board Member? 
Always work towards a better eating experience with the consumer. Work long term to promote better varieties and methods of delivery.

What is your favorite thing about the mango industry? 
Lots of fun people who make something great from so very little.

Where do you see the future of the mango industry? 
Big potential. However, there is a lack of funding, universal agreement and support to grow it faster than where we are now.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2013.

Click to view the 2013 Annual Report.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2014.

Click to view the 2014 Annual Report.

RONNIE COHEN
Fort Lee, New Jersey

Chair 2011-2012

Ronnie obtained his associates degree in liberal arts from the University of Hartford, and subsequently his bachelor’s in criminal justice from the American University. He left law school to work at the family’s wholesale produce business in New York City in 1989 to 1990. He received his first Kent mangos from Nayarit, Mexico in the Terminal Market around 1991.

Ronnie likes to ocean fish for large game fish, and enjoys wine tasting and trying different cuisines.

How long have you been in the mango Industry? 
26 years

What advice would you give a new NMB Board Member? 
Read all materials, stay engaged, do all detailed work at the committee level, and show up to all committee and board meetings. When on the board, try to wear the board hat not the individual business one.

What is your favorite thing about the mango industry? 
The interaction and engagement between all industry members.

Where do you see the future of the mango industry? 
I see the future bright as long as the industry stays together. Focus on quality standards that if necessary can be enforced. Research on new and improved varieties to improve yields, taste profiles, and shelf-life while expanding the current varietal offerings.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2011.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2012.

Click to view the 2011 Annual Report.

Click to view the 2012 Annual Report.

LARRY NIENKERK

Burlingame, California

Chair 2010

In 1941, Larry was tired of academia after six years of college and answered an ad in the paper. It was then that he began to work for CH Robinson. He moved to San Francisco in 1972 and in 1976 he started Splendid Products Company. He then sold the company on the eve of its 40th anniversary. Currently, he works as a consultant.

Larry enjoys traveling with his wife, Jennice, as well as reading and hiking.  

How long have you been in the mango industry? 
44 years

What advice would you give a new NMB Board Member? 
Learn from your fellow members, they are a collective encyclopedia of knowledge.

What is your favorite thing about the mango industry? 
The daily surprises, yet the consistency of doing healthy distribution.

Where do you see the future of the mango industry? 
Our wonderful product becoming a major item in the produce department, ripening rooms much like those used for bananas, and increasing volume in fresh-cut.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2010.

ISABEL FREELAND

San Diego, California

Chair 2008-2009

Isabel is a Certified Public Accountant with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the State University of New York. In 1996, after years in public accounting and consulting, she started to work for Coast Tropical with an immediate primary goal of growing the mango commodity.

Today, Coast Tropical imports over 10,000,000 mangos from Central and South America, has steady supply 52 weeks a year, controls the supply chain of the brand from field to distribution and carries all varieties including organics.

How long have you been in the mango industry? 
Over 20 years

What advice would you give a new NMB Board Member? 
Serving teaches you about the industry we serve and the people making a difference in our industry. By serving, you are reminded that we are all in this together, as we support each other and look beyond ourselves and the company we work for, for the betterment of the industry. When you serve, you receive much more than what you can ever give.

What is your favorite thing about the mango industry? 
The network opportunities that are created and last a lifetime.

Where do you see the future of the mango industry? 
I see a slow but steady increase in supply and demand. I see new cultivars coming into the market increasing consumers’ expectation for new flavors and added quality and value.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2008.
Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2009.

ISMAEL DIAZ

Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico

Chair 2007

Ismael began working at his family's packing shed in Escuinapa, Sinaloa, Mexico at the age of 14. From then on, every summer he worked there in different positions until he became the manager. He studied agribusiness at Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey, and obtained his master's degree in finance at Tec Milenio. After graduating, he worked for Chiquita-Frupac as a trainee and six months later his father asked him to open Diazteca Company in Nogales, Arizona.

Currently, Ismael's hobbies and activities are related to his kids. He enjoys outdoor activities such as: exploring, hiking, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and bodysurfing.

How long have you been in the mango Industry? 
36 years

What advice would you give a new NMB Board Member? 
Understand the NMB history, strongly participate in the NMB meetings with your knowledge, and understand NMB programs. Promote, promote, and promote mangos.

What is your favorite thing about the mango industry? 
The increase in mango consumption and the potential it still has. I also enjoy promoting this fun, wonderful, sweet, tasty and nutritious fruit.

Where do you see the future of the mango industry? 
I see the category growing with an increase in volume, participants, consumers, consumption, mango products, promotions, fresh-cut, and organic supply. In addition, with the helping hand of the NMB, we can continue to create wellness and prosperity to all of its industry members.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2007.

CHUCK CIRULI II

Tubac, Arizona

Chair 2005-2006

Chuck got his start in the produce business when he was a child, working on ranches and packing sheds in Arizona and Colorado. By the time he was in high school, he had already moved up to the sales desk of his father's business, Ciruli Brothers. By 1967, Chuck formed Ciruli Brokerage Company in Nogales, Arizona. In 1973, he established Amex Distributing Co. Inc.; created to specialize in produce from western Mexico with a special focus on mangos. Chuck merged the two entities in 1986, forming the multi-faceted Amex Distributing Co. Inc.

As an industry leader, Chuck participates in many national and international agro-marketing events and forums to promote fresh quality produce, especially mangos. Currently, he lives in Tubac, Arizona with his family and enjoys raising funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County.

How long have you been in the mango Industry? 
30 years

What advice would you give a new NMB Board Member? 
Your responsi­bility while serving on the board is to serve the good of the mango industry.

What is your favorite thing about the mango industry? 
We are still in the early stages of developing the mango market in the U.S.

Click to view the complete Board Member roster for 2005-2006.