Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the appointment of ten individuals to the Florida Citrus Commission, the governing board of the Florida Department of Citrus. The move brings five new faces to the commission while reappointing five experienced members, ensuring a blend of fresh perspectives and continuity for the state’s signature agricultural industry.
The Florida Citrus Commission plays a crucial role in regulating and promoting the Florida citrus industry through marketing, research, and regulation. These appointments fill key positions representing growers, packers, and processors from various districts across the state.
READ: Florida Gov. DeSantis Appoints, Reappoints Governing Board Members To SFWM District
The five new members appointed by Governor DeSantis are:
- Emma Ezell: A Harvesting and Hauling Coordinator at Reynolds Farms, Inc., Ezell will serve as a grower member for District 3. Recognized as a Florida Outstanding Young Farmer by Junior Chamber International, she is active in the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association and the county’s Planning and Zoning Committee. Ezell holds a business degree from Florida Southern College. Her term ends May 31, 2027.
- Sean Frelich: As Vice President of Technical Services for Florida’s Natural Growers, Frelich will represent statewide processors. He currently leads the Florida Citrus Processors Association and previously chaired the Juice Products Association. Frelich earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. His term ends May 31, 2027.
- Vernon Hollingsworth III: President of VCH Management, Inc., Hollingsworth joins as a grower member for District 2. His past service includes chairing the Farm Service Agency and membership in Florida Citrus Mutual and other grower associations. Hollingsworth is a graduate of Florida Southern College’s citrus program. His term ends May 31, 2028.
- Daniel Hunt: The Vice President of Hunt Brothers Cooperative will serve as a grower member for District 5. Hunt is involved with the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation, Inc., and the Wedgworth Leadership Institute. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Florida. His term ends May 31, 2026.
- Melanie Ressler: Co-Chief Executive Officer at IMG Enterprises, Inc., Ressler will represent statewide packers from the Indian River production area. She serves on the boards of the Florida Citrus Packers Association, the Citrus Administrative Committee, and Rabobank Advisory Boards. Ressler holds degrees from Stetson University and the Paris Graduate School of Management. Her term ends May 31, 2026.
READ: Florida Governor DeSantis Appoints Judge To Orange County Court
Governor DeSantis also reappointed five current commissioners:
- Steve Johnson: President and Owner of Johnson Harvesting, Inc., Johnson continues as a grower member for District 4. He serves as Vice President of the Florida Farm Bureau, with past leadership roles in its Labor Committee and the Hardee County Soil and Water Conservation Board. Johnson is a University of Florida graduate. His term ends May 31, 2028.
- Carlos Martinez: A Procurement Manager for The Coca-Cola Company, Martinez continues his representation of statewide processors. He holds degrees from the University of Central Florida and St. Leo University. His term ends May 31, 2026.
- William Poulton: Senior Director of Global Procurement for Tropicana Products, Inc., Poulton, a U.S. Navy veteran, will continue representing statewide processors. His past community involvement includes chairing the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce. Poulton is a Duke University graduate. His term ends May 31, 2028.
- Daniel Sutton: As President and General Manager of Alico Citrus, Sutton continues as a statewide large grower representative. He has previously served on the boards of Florida Citrus Mutual and the Gulf Citrus Association. Sutton graduated from Florida Southern College’s citrus program. His term ends May 31, 2026.
- John “Patrick” Schirard: Director of Citrus Extracts, LLC, Schirard continues as a grower member for District 6. He leads the Indian River Citrus League and previously headed the Florida Citrus Production Managers Association. Schirard is a University of Florida agriculture graduate. His term ends May 31, 2027.
All ten appointments announced today are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
