“Douglas Ackerman understands the importance of citrus to our counties and state,” said Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Martin McKenna.
BARTOW, Fla. – The Florida Citrus Commission selected Douglas R. Ackerman as the new executive director for the Florida Department of Citrus following a four-month search for an individual with an advanced understanding of marketing who will bring a strong set of leadership skills to the citrus industry.
“Douglas Ackerman understands the importance of citrus to our counties and state,” said Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Martin McKenna. “He has a tremendous amount of desire and determination to join the team. The citrus industry requires leadership to get everyone together when we need to and I think he will connect well with growers.”
Ackerman, of Bartow, Fla., has 17 years of experience in retail, consumer packaged goods and integrated marketing communications. Most recently, he served as category marketing manager at Publix Super Markets for nearly seven years.
Ackerman served with the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard for more than 20 years. He earned the Bronze star and Combat Infantry Badge for leadership in combat while embedded with the Afghan National Police during Operation Enduring Freedom.
He holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Tampa and bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.
An executive search committee comprised of six commissioners selected Ackerman after interviewing three candidates from a pool of 114 applicants. The FCC voted to hire Ackerman at their Dec. 21 meeting.
“I’m really looking forward to working with all the growers, processors and staff at the Florida Department of Citrus in helping to promote Florida citrus,” Ackerman said.
Ackerman will begin his new position in January.
About the Florida Citrus Commission
The Florida Citrus Commission is the governing board of the Florida Department of Citrus, an executive agency of the Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. The commission is a nine-member board appointed by the governor to represent citrus growers, processors and packers. FDOC activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs nearly 76,000 people and provides an annual economic impact close to $9 billion to the state.
