Third-Generation Watermelon Industry Worker and Importer Christian Murillo Elected to Lead Board
Winter Springs, FL – March 31, 2022 – National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) held its biannual board meeting in Nashville, TN on Wednesday, February 23 during which board member Christian Murillo was elected President by his peers. Prior to this nomination, Murillo (District 6, Nogales, AZ) served as Vice President, Foodservice Committee Chair, and has been a member of the Board since 2018.
“As President, I plan to spread my knowledge of all the great things about watermelon in order to impact those around me,” said Christian Murillo, NWPB Board President. “Watermelon is hands down the best fruit, and it’s available all year long thanks to domestic producers, handlers and importers that make it all happen.”
In addition to his work with the NWPB, Murillo also currently serves as Executive Member of the National Watermelon Association, the Vice President for the Western Watermelon Association, and a board member for the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas. Murillo is a third-generation watermelon industry worker and is Vice President of Sales and Operations for his family-owned business, Cactus Melon Distributors in Nogales, AZ.
“Christian is a true champion for the watermelon industry,” said Mark Arney, Executive Director, NWPB. “He embodies what it means to be leader and his passion for educating people about the benefits of watermelon is apparent in everything he does – we’re thrilled to have him serve as President.”
In addition to Murillo’s nomination, Lee Wroten (District 2, Cordele, GA) was elected Vice President, Cody Buckley (District 3, San Antonio, TX) elected Secretary/Treasurer and Steve Nichols (District 1, Lakeland, FL), John Lapide (District 4, Laurel, DE), Chris Elsie (District 5, Scottsdale, AZ) and Jordan Carter, Past President (District 2, Cordele, GA) represent the Executive Committee. For more information or a full list of the Board of Directors and Committee Assignments, visit the industry section of watermelon.org or contact Stephanie Barlow, Senior Director of Communications at [email protected].
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