Manuel Castillo, Chairman of the Board
Manuel Castillo serves as chairman of the board of FDI as well as president of FDI partner, Agroforestal MACAPI. He owns and manages all production activities at the Dominican Republic Hass avocado groves as well as packing and distribution of the avocados from MACAPI's packing facility. Manuel can be reached at macapi@verizon.net.do.

Pedro Aguilar, President and CEO
Pedro has been involved in the produce and food business since 1984. He has been working as grower, exporter, importer and promoter of several food and produce items. Besides his regular business activities, he has advised Latin governments, cooperatives and private companies on strategic management, business development, trade policies and marketing activities. He counts with a broad food-produce business experience in North, Central and South America and Europe. Pedro manages day to day issues of the business and its' subsidiaries, he is also involved in international sales daily. Pedro can be reached at pedroa@freshdirections.com.

Manuel Castillo, Jr., COO
As chief operating officer, Manuel leads the FDI management team from the headquarters office in Ventura, CA. Manuel graduated in 2002 in Business Management from Cornell University. He was Vice-President for two years in Agroforestal Macapi, S.A. in the Dominican Republic, parent company of FDI. His duties involved management and strategic development of the company. Manuel can be reached at manuel@freshdirections.com

Michael Casazza, National Sales Director
Being born and raised in a small farming community, Michael has been involved in produce from the ground level.  Michael's produce career began with mangos and oranges, but he eventually ventured into the avocado industry.  He is responsible for account management and development of the Eastern Region with our Retail, wholesale and foodservice customers.  Based in Newport, Michael can be reached at michael@freshdirections.com

Claudia Hobbs, Sales Area Manager
With a focus on the West Coast and South West, Claudia manages sales for our retail, wholesale and foodservice customers, from our base in Ventura, CA. Additionally, assists with international avocado sales, transportation, communication with our Mexican Hass avocado packing facility. Claudia can be reached at claudia@freshdirections.com

Barbara Wishard, Controller
As controller of Fresh Directions, Barbara is responsible for handling all Accounts Receivables procedures. Barbara is based in Ventura, CA and can be reached at barbaraw@freshdirections.com.

Rita Alvarado, Bookkeeper
Rita is responsible for handling all Accounts Payable procedures. Rita is based in Ventura, CA and can be reached at rita@freshdirections.com.

Lissette Vargas, Sales Manager
Lissette graduated in 1999 in Business Administration from Pace University. She joined Fresh Directions in February 2006. Lissette is responsible for managing our Dominican Republic Office and promoting sales growth in North Eastern and Mid Western U.S.  Lissette is full bilingual allowing her to service both English and Spanish speaking customers. Based in the Dominican Republic, she can be reached at lissette@freshdirections.com.