Eric R. Gustafson

Eric R. Gustafson is Chairman and CEO of Coast Packing Company (Coast), number one supplier of animal fat shortenings in the Western United States. He is the fourth generation of his family to own and operate Coast, has been a member of Coast’s Board of Directors since 2009, and was named CEO in 2010. Gustafson is responsible for guiding the company’s strategic initiatives and vision, and leads business development, client relationships, and procurement. Over the last 13 years, he has directed all key areas of the business and built the current leadership team to execute Coast’s strategic plans. He is proud to have guided Coast to achieve its 102nd year in business. Prior to being named CEO, Gustafson was Vice President of Operations and held various Sales and Marketing positions.

In addition to his responsibilities at Coast, Gustafson serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Board of the Meat Institute. He also is an Officer of the Meat Institute and currently serves as Chairman of the Board. Previously he has served as Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Meat Institute’s Labor and Employment Committee. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee for the Edible Oils Producers Association (EOPA).

Gustafson and his family believe in supporting local communities. He served on the Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors from 2010-2018 and was Chairman of the Board from 2012-2014. In that capacity, he played a critical role lobbying the state legislature on behalf of the Chamber and the “Save Vernon Jobs” coalition. Through these efforts, AB 46 — a bill to disincorporate the City of Vernon – was defeated. From 2012-2014, Gustafson was appointed to the Vernon Housing Commission and was named its first Chairman. He was also appointed to the Vernon Business Industry Commission from 2015-2017 and served as Chairman for one year.

Gustafson and his wife are strong advocates of education through the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF), Meat Institute Scholarship Foundation, and USC Athletics. In addition, the Gustafson Family and Coast are active in philanthropy, supporting such charities as Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Make a Wish Foundation, The Midnight Mission, USC Keck School of Medicine, and Vernon Police Officers Benefit Association.

In 2002, Gustafson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences with a minor in Business from the University of Southern California. When not devoting his time to Coast, Gustafson is a competitive drag racer and holds multiple class championships and records. He is a member of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) and Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA).

His greatest love and passion is spending time with his wife and three children, and enjoying USC football, traveling the world, golfing, and skiing.