Sep 3, 2019Halverson family adds Kling to Black Gold Farms’ board of directors
Black Gold Farms has announced a new addition to its board of directors, one outside the Halverson family.
Food industry veteran Doug Kling, who is currently CEO of Kling Strategic Partners, will fill the spot on the board. Kling has held senior positions at Village Farms International, Cadbury Schweppes, Johanna Foods and Life Savers, as well as other Fortune 500 companies.
Kling joins current Black Gold Farms board members Eric Halverson, who is the CEO of the company, COO John Halverson, marketing director Leah Halverson (also CEO of Ten Acre Media) and CFO Bob Hoffert.
“Working with Doug while serving on the United Fresh Board of Directors has really showed me that Doug is not afraid to challenge the status quo or speak up,” Eric Halverson said in a press release. “This is exactly what we need as a family organization, someone to push us and help us make the difficult decisions.”
Kling’s role on the board will be to help fulfill the company’s mission statement and vision by supporting the other board members and “ultimate goal of keeping healthy family relationships within the Halverson family stock ownership group.”
“I’ve met Eric and Leah through different industry organizations, which has peaked my interest as to what they were doing — as a family and as a progressive potato production operation,” Kling said. “I’ve been impressed with their commitment to growth, innovation and their ability to keep family harmony. Having all of that is not easy and it takes work.
“I’m looking forward to digging deeper and helping them any way I can, as a company and as a family achieve their goals. And, knowing them, have some fun along the way.”
