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Chammoun to lead American Peanut Shellers

The American Peanut Shellers Association (APSA) has named Chris Chammoun its new executive director. He will lead efforts to expand the organization’s programs while growing and strengthening its membership base. Chammoun will oversee the continued implementation of the association’s three-year strategic plan, recently developed by a strategic planning committee to pave  the way for transformative growth and operational success.

Founded in 1919, APSA’s mission is to provide leadership and a unified voice for the U.S. peanut shelling industry to ensure its long-term success and economic sustainability by advocating for favorable policies and regulations as well as supporting market access. Headquartered in Albany, APSA represents the professional interests of nine active shelling members and 165 associate members throughout the U.S. and abroad.

“It is truly an honor to be named the next executive director of the American Peanut Shellers Association. I’m very excited about carrying on the great work of this institution and leading the shelling industry through future opportunities and challenges. I’m also eager to bring my expertise to The Peanut Institute and The Peanut Institute Foundation. Having worked with many agribusinesses in the economic development space, I’ve seen first-hand how research and innovation can grow an industry beyond expectations. I look forward to working with the staff, Board, and our industry partners to ensure the future of the peanut industry,” said Chammoun.

In addition to his role with APSA, Chammoun will serve as president of The Peanut Institute and The Peanut Institute Foundation. Founded in 1996, The Peanut Institute is a non-profit organization that supports nutrition research and develops educational programs to encourage healthful lifestyles that include peanuts and peanut products.

Chammoun brings extensive experience in agribusiness management, including strategic planning, agricultural technology and innovation, advocacy, and market economics. Previously, Chammoun worked with the Georgia Department of Economic Development where he served as director of AgTech at the Georgia Center of Innovation. In this role, Chammoun led the economic development efforts in the agricultural technology sector in Georgia.

Prior to that, Chammoun served as director of public affairs for the Georgia Cotton Commission.

“I am so excited that Chris has agreed to serve as American Peanut Shellers Association’s next executive director. His education and background in agribusiness and markets, along with his economic development experience provide the prefect blend in leading both American Peanut Shellers Association and The Peanut Institute into the future. I think Chris is going to do a terrific job and be a valuable asset not only for the membership of American Peanut Shellers Association but for the entire peanut industry,” said Charles Birdsong, American Peanut Shellers Association Board Chair. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chris aboard.”

The APSA is a non-profit trade association, composed of commercial peanut shellers and crushers located throughout the United States.

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