"California Grown" Appoints New Executive Director

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 14, 2008) – The Buy California Marketing Agreement, the organization that oversees the popular “California Grown” campaign, recently promoted Maile Shanahan Geis from marketing director to executive director. In this role, Shanahan Geis is responsible for the program’s strategic direction, long-term planning and signatory relations.

In addition, she will continue to oversee the marketing and promotional activities of the statewide campaign, including public relations outreach, advertising programs, retail and foodservice merchandising, and industry communications.

"We are fortunate to have Maile lead the program as our new executive director,” said Chris Zanobini, chairman of the Buy California Marketing Agreement. "The ‘California Grown’ program has made great strides in educating consumers about the economic benefits of choosing California grown agricultural products; with Maile at the helm of the program, we will be sure to continue that success.”

Before joining “California Grown” in 2004, Shanahan Geis served as marketing manager for Apio, Inc., a leader in the fresh-cut vegetable category. During her tenure at Apio, she gained valuable insight into production agriculture, as well as the grocery and foodservice industries. This knowledge, coupled with her marketing expertise, has directly contributed to the success of the “California Grown” campaign.

“I am thrilled at the opportunity to enhance my role in working closely with all of our board members and signatories to promote the ‘California Grown’ campaign,” said Shanahan Geis. “I look forward to continuing to grow the campaign, and in turn, contributing to the strength of our state’s agricultural industry.”