New leadership appointments and a call for nominations aim to drive market expansion and innovation in the mushroom industry

At its meeting held in San Antonio on February 12-13, 2025, the Mushroom Council announced sweeping changes to its leadership structure and charted a course for the future by electing new board members and officers while opening nominations for the 2026–2028 term.

Comprising nine members including eight domestic growers and one importer representing four distinct regions the Council’s mandate is to maintain and expand the current mushroom markets and promote innovative uses of the crop.

The session underscored the organization’s commitment to bolstering the industry through strategic governance and forward-thinking initiatives.

During the meeting, the Council introduced two new board members: Chris Alonzo from Pietro Industries representing Region 2 and Tony Stachurski from Kitchen Pride, who will serve for Region 1.

Their appointments come as part of the Council’s continuous effort to ensure diverse regional representation and expertise among its members.

Additionally, the Council took a moment to honor the contributions of outgoing board member Meghan Klotzbach of C.P. Yeatman & Sons/Mother Earth.

Recognized for her many years of service to both the Council and the broader industry, Klotzbach’s departure was met with appreciations for the dedication she consistently demonstrated.

The newly elected officers are set to lead the Council into its next phase of strategic development.

Michael Stephan of Monterey Mushrooms has been named Chairperson, a role that places him at the forefront of guiding the Council’s policies and initiatives.

Serving as Vice Chairperson is Pat Jurgensmeyer from J-M Farms, while Laura Matar of Giorgio Mushrooms has taken on the responsibilities of Secretary.

Jack Guan, representing Terra Garden/Guan’s Mushroom, has been elected Treasurer.

These roles are not merely ceremonial; the officers are charged with the critical tasks of developing and implementing an annual research, marketing, and promotions plan as well as managing and adhering to the Council’s annual budget.

Such responsibilities are essential for fostering an environment where innovation in mushroom production and marketing can thrive.

These leadership changes and strategic appointments are a direct response to the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the mushroom industry.

The aim is to sustain the momentum of growth and keep pace with regulatory and market dynamics that continuously reshape the agricultural landscape.

In addition to the leadership announcements, the Mushroom Council has now opened a call for nominations for board terms spanning from 2026 to 2028.

This call is directed specifically at eligible producers who meet stringent criteria.

To qualify, individuals must be engaged in mushroom production and must produce, on average, over 500,000 pounds of mushrooms annually for the fresh market.

This eligibility requirement ensures that candidates possess both the experience and the operational scale necessary to contribute effectively to the Council’s mission.

Producers interested in nominating a candidate or nominating themselves are required to submit completed nomination forms via email or post, with a firm deadline set for May 1, 2025.

The call for nominations is segmented by region. Region 1, covering all states except California and Pennsylvania, is offering two three-year terms, while Region 2, which encompasses Pennsylvania, has one available three-year term.

These positions are critical for maintaining regional balance and ensuring that the decision-making process reflects the diverse challenges and opportunities across different areas of the country.

The Council’s criteria are designed to prioritize those who are not only successful in mushroom production but also actively engaged in the industry’s long-term growth and sustainability.