ABA STAFF
ROSS SKINNER Chief Executive Officer
Ross is Chief Executive Officer of the Almond Board of Australia , holding this position since November 2010 . Ross holds a Bachelor of Economics . Ross was previously Assistant General Manager of the Australian Dried Fruits Association , General Manager of the Dried Fruits Research and Development Council , and General Manager of the Australian Dried Fruits Board . Ross has 34 years ’ experience managing R & D and marketing programs for many Murray Valley horticultural industries . He is a member of HIA ’ s Almond Strategic Investment Committee and NFF ’ s Economic Policy and Water committees .
TIM JACKSON Chief Executive officer
Tim is the Chief Executive Officer of the Almond Board of Australia , holding this position since October 2021 .
He was previously the Group Sales and Marketing Manager of Almondco Australia Ltd , with a wealth and experience of knowledge and experience in the almond industry . Tim is a former ABA director and member of the Almond Board of Australia ’ s Market Development and Audit and Risk committees prior to taking on the role of CEO .
He has more than 30 years ’ experience in agribusiness through a wide range of communications and marketing roles .
DEIDRE JAENSCH Industry Development Manager
Deidre joined the ABA in October 2019 as Industry Development Manager . She holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and has worked in irrigated horticulture within the government , industry and private sectors for over 27 years . Deidre manages the research and development program working with growers , researchers , suppliers and service providers as well as industry collaborators to generate the knowledge , skills and technologies required to enhance industry ’ s competitiveness and further development in line with the almond industry strategic investment plan .
BEN WIBLIN Industry Development Officer
Ben joined the ABA in November 2018 after completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Adelaide . Ben works alongside Josh Fielke as an Industry Development Officer . Ben has previously been involved in various agricultural production systems allowing him to use his knowledge in soil and plant science to help maximise yields whilst also monitoring pests and disease . Ben ’ s role is centered around facilitating the extension of new research in an effort to increase industry knowledge and efficiency .
ANTHONY WACHTEL Almond Centre Orchard Manager
Anthony joined the ABA to manage the 60-hectare experimental and demonstration orchard that is part of the Almond Centre of Excellence established at Loxton . He has extensive experience in almond production working with Century Orchards as Assistant Farm Manager . His role requires him to work closely with researchers to ensure the specific management programs required for their trials are adhered to . He also oversees the establishment of the orchard infrastructure to provide a world class facility . Anthony is a member of the ABA ’ s Industry Development team .
MESHU SHAH Finance Officer
Meshu was appointed as a Finance Officer for the Almond Board of Australia in August 2021 . Meshu holds a Bachelor of Business Administration , Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management along with a Master of Business Administration specialized in Finance . Meshu ’ s role with the Almond Board of Australia sees her skills utilised for payroll , accounts payable / receivable , financial reconciliations , financial reporting and statistical analysis and workplace health and safety oversight .
12 2021 / 22 ABA ANNUAL REPORT