Eric R. Gustafson is Chairman and CEO of Coast Packing Company (Coast), number one supplier of animal fat shortenings, mainly Lard and Beef Tallow, in the Western United States. He is the fourth generation to own and operate Coast, has served on its Board of Directors since 2009, and was named CEO in 2010. Gustafson is responsible for guiding the company's strategic vision and initiatives, and leads business development, client relationships, and procurement. Over the last 15 years, he has directed all key areas of the business and built the current leadership team to execute Coast’s business strategies. He has proudly guided Coast into its 104th 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 and is an Officer, currently serving as Immediate Past Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Nominating Committee. He also served as Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Meat Institute’s Labor and Employment Committee. Previously, he served on the Board of Directors and was Chairman of the 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 in lobbying the state legislature on behalf of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce 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 and Industry Commission from 2015-2017 and served as Chairman for one year.

Gustafson and his wife are strong advocates for education supporting the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF), Highland Park Education Foundation (Mad for Plaid), their children’s schools’ PTA fundraising efforts, Meat Institute Scholarship Foundation, and USC Athletics. In addition, the Gustafson Family and Coast are active in philanthropy, donating to 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, he proudly supports his children in their sports and activities. In addition, Gustafson is a competitive drag racer who has won multiple class championships and held world records. He is a member of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA). His greatest love and passion is spending time with his wife and three children, as well as watching USC football, traveling the world, golfing, and skiing.