Haille Margarite is the program coordinator of the research and innovation team at the Almond Board of California, assisting all research activities – including research grant contracts, consulting agreements, relative program budget expenditures and tracking the progression of the overall department’s research portfolio. She also supports industry engagement by coordinating the activities of the Strategic Ag Innovation Committee and Nutrition Research Committee.

Haille also led the development, implementation and continued evolution of an in-house grants management software platform, SmartSimple, that enhanced all processes for contracting and grant management purposes. 

Before joining ABC, she worked as a community education specialist and program coordinator for University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Haille oversaw 500 volunteers in Stanislaus County and another 2,500 throughout California.  

Away from work, Haille returned to academics and is currently seeking her master's in agriculture education from Chico State.  

She is also an almond farmer in the Modesto area, an avid equestrian and a dog mom with three large dogs and often has at least one foster dog. In her spare time, she and one of her dogs, her Great Dane, “Dottie,” volunteer with multiple therapy dog organizations.