Joel Nelsen, California Citrus Mutual (CCM) president from 1982-2019, passed away on July 1 at the age of 78.
Nelsen dedicated 37 years of his professional life to leading CCM and advocating for California's citrus growers. A passionate and fearless leader, his commitment to the California citrus industry set the industry he loved down a path of success.
Nelsen mentored many, and his accomplishments were significant, including the passage of the largest tax relief package ever for California agriculture and preventing the importation of lemons from Argentina to protect California citrus from pest and disease infestations.
Born in San Diego on September 27, 1946, Nelsen was known for his work ethic, starting as a produce clerk at Lucky Stores when he was 16. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970, serving four tours of duty in Vietnam.
© California Citrus Mutual
Joel Nelsen
He returned home to graduate from Cal State University, Fullerton and married the love of his life, Suezette Wingfield, on June 23, 1972. Together they had two daughters, Nicole Reynolds and Laura Nelsen. His only grandchild, Conner Joel Reynolds, arrived on September 4, 2012.
After years as produce manager for Lucky stores, he became CEO of the Fresh Produce Council for 10 years. In 1982, Nelsen and his family moved to Visalia where he would dedicate the next 37 years of his professional life to leading California Citrus Mutual.
Nelsen became known nationwide as a warrior for his constituency. Regular trips to Sacramento, Washington D.C. and internationally were all part of his service to the citrus industry.
Nelsen retired in 2019. Even so, in 2023, the American Pistachios Growers asked him to guide their organization through a transition period. He left retirement and became interim-president and CEO for a year.
He is survived by his wife Suezette, daughters Nicole (Robert) and Laura Nelsen, along with grandson Conner Joel. He is also survived by his brother Steven, nephew Chad (Jennifer) and nieces Jennifer (Sean), Jennifer (Tom) and Jill (Kenny), numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews, close family friend Darlene Loose, many others that became his family and his dog Katy.
For more information:
Abby Peltzer
California Citrus Mutual
Tel: +1 (559) 592-3790
[email protected]
https://www.cacitrusmutual.com/
