Alexander Ott, DSL

Confident executive, business owner, and consultant , with a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership and over 25 years of experience addressing organizational challenges and implementing changes for start-ups and mature associations in a fast-growing economy to maintain a competitive edge. Business turnaround expert who knows how to create a strategic vision and plan to streamline processes, support group unification, and boost an organization's credibility and financial health. Able to relay that mission to the industry, media, and staff. Inspirational leader with a rare combination of business expertise and interpersonal skills. Innovative problem-solver and strategic thinker who uses consulting expertise and an entrepreneurial mindset to quickly assess and evaluate business problems and offer solutions aligned with business objectives. Relationship builder able to leverage relationships with buyers, traders, consumers, domestic and international governments, and the private sector to identify and open viable markets and overcome trade barriers. Highlights: ◆ Organization Transformation: Revitalized the American Pecan Council (APC), increasing pecan awareness from 9% to 42% and consumption by 32%, and returned 24 cents per pound to the membership. ◆ Strategic Planning: Led APC team in developing a comprehensive strategic plan to gain market share, expand internationally, develop cutting-edge tools and technologies, establish grades and standards, and unify the industry in the first few months. ◆ Commodity Collaboration: Jointly managed the CAC, California Olive Committee (COC), and the newly formed California Blueberry Commission (CBC) for the past 13 years, ensuring achievable, measurable activities were enacted while reducing management costs. ◆ Visionary Leadership: Restored confidence in the Clovis Chamber of Commerce and checks and balances to protect membership dollars after taking over as Chairman by creating an urgent and critical succession plan after the Executive Director had to step away. ◆ Performance Recognition: Honored with several awards, including the Presidential Who’s Who Among Business Professional Achievers, 2009, 40 under 40 Business Professional Class, 2009, and Meat & Potatoes Apple Industry Leadership, 2007. Expertise: Executive Management | Market Identification & Penetration | Team Building / Coaching | Budget Oversight | Vendor Management | Fundraising | Food Safety | Market Development | Domestic & International Government & Private Sector Relations | Building Strategic Relationships