TALLAHASSEE, FL - On April 11, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Emma Ezell, Sean Frielich, Vernon Hollingsworth III, Daniel Hunt, and Melanie Ressler and the reappointment of Steve Johnson, Carlos Martinez, William Poulton, Daniel Sutton and John “Patrick” Schirard to the Florida Citrus Commission. 

Emma Ezell

Ezell is a Harvesting and Hauling Coordinator at Reynolds Farms, Inc, and will be a grower member representing District 3. Active in her community, she currently serves as a member of the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association, the Highlands County Planning and Zoning Committee, and was the recipient of the Junior Chamber International Florida Outstanding Young Farmer Award. Ezell earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Florida Southern College. Her term will expire May 31, 2027. 

Sean Frielich

Frielich is the Vice President of Technical Services for Florida’s Natural Growers and will represent statewide processors. Active in his community, he currently serves as the President of the Florida Citrus Processors Association and previously served as the Chairman of the Juice Products Association. Frelich earned his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and chemistry from the University of Florida. His term will expire May 31, 2027.

Vernon Hollingsworth III

Hollingsworth is the President of VCH Management, Inc, and will be a grower member representing District 2. Active in his community, he previously served as Chairman of the Farm Service Agency, member of Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Nurseryman Association, and the Peace River Balley Citrus Growers Association. Hollingsworth earned his bachelor’s degree in citrus from Florida Southern College. His term will expire May 31, 2028.

Daniel Hunt

Hunt is the Vice President of Hunt Brothers Cooperative and will be a grower member representing District 5. Active in his community, he currently serves as Chairman of First Presbyterian Church, Treasurer of the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation, Inc., and member of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute. Hunt earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida. His term will expire May 31, 2026.

Melanie Ressler

Ressler is the Co-Chief Executive Officer at IMG Enterprises, Inc, and will be the statewide packer representing the Indian River production area. Active in her community, she is a member of the Florida Citrus Packers Association Board, the Citrus Administrative Committee, and the Rabobank Agricultural and Wholesale Advisory Boards. Ressler earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from Stetson University and her master’s degree in business administration from Paris Graduate School of Management. Her term will expire May 31, 2026.

Steve Johnson

Johnson is the President and Owner of Johnson Harvesting, Inc, and will be a grower member representing District 4. Active in his community, he currently serves as Vice President of the Florida Farm Bureau and previously served as the Chair of the Florida Farm Bureau Labor Committee and was a member of the Hardee County Soil and Water Conservation Board of Directors. Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural operations management from the University of Florida. His term will expire May 31, 2028.

Carlos Martinez

Martinez is a Procurement Manager for the Coca-Cola Company in Auburndale and will represent statewide processors. Previously, he served as a Brand Supply Manager for the Coca-Cola Company in Apopka. Martinez earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Florida and his master’s degree in Christian theology from St. Leo University. His term will expire May 31, 2026.

William Poulton

Poulton is the Senior Director of Global Procurement for Tropicana Products, Inc and will represent statewide processors. A veteran of the United States Navy, he previously served as the Chair of the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Council Board of Directors. Poulton earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Duke University. His term will expire May 31, 2028.

Daniel Sutton

Sutton is the President and General Manager of Alico Citrus and will be a statewide large grower. Active in his community, he previously served on the Florida Citrus Mutual Board of Directors and the Gulf Citrus Association Board of Directors. Sutton earned his bachelor’s degree in citrus from Florida Southern College. His term will expire May 31, 2026.

John “Patrick” Schirard

Schirard is the Director of Citrus Extracts, LLC and will be a grower member representing District 6. Active in his community, he is the President of the Indian River Citrus Leage and previously served as President of the Florida Citrus Production Managers Association. Schirard earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Florida. His term will expire May 31, 2027.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.