Exeter-based California Citrus Mutual is looking for a new CEO/President after Casey Creamer departed the organization in February. Creamer’s profile has been removed from the CCM website.
CCM Board Chair Julia Inestroza said in a statement to the organization’s members that CCM and Creamer parted ways on February 11,2026.
“We appreciate his service to our industry and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Inestroza said.
“California Citrus Mutual remains committed to its mission of representing the California citrus industry. Our day-to-day operations will continue under the direction of our experienced staff, and the Board has begun the process of identifying CCM’s next leader.”
Inestroza said the board will keep members informed during the search for a new CEO and asked members to direct any questions they have to her.
Creamer was appointed in January 2019 to replace CCM President, Joel Nelsen who stepped down after 37 years at the helm. Mr Nelsen has since passed away.
Citrus Mutual will soon hold their annual event called the
Citrus Showcase – set for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Visalia Convention Center.
The citrus grower based organization reports regularly to its members tracking the current citrus season with its latest report noting that the navel season is about half over. They report that the average navel orange prices for all sizes is $13 per carton, lower than the same week for the past two years.
California produces over 90% of the United States’ fresh citrus crop, with a total acreage of nearly 269,000.USDA has pegged the initial 2025-26 California Navel orange forecast at 80.0 million cartons,up 6% from the previous year. Fruit size is also larger.