Hockessin, Del. – Elizabeth Pivonka has announced her retirement from Produce for Better Health Foundation as president and CEO, effective February 28, 2017.
“This was a difficult decision, but my youngest is finishing college after winter session in February and I’d like to spend more time with her before she starts her first job on June 1. Having worked and traveled since she was 7 weeks old, this is an opportunity I didn’t want to miss,” said Pivonka who has served on PBH’s staff since its inception in 1991, more than 25 years ago, and as president for the past 20 years.
Scott Owens, PBH chairman of the board, and vice president of sales for Wonderful Citrus, said “I know I can speak on behalf of the PBH board of trustees and the entire industry when I say that we are grateful for the years of dedication and hard work Elizabeth has given to the industry. We are all well aware of the sacrifices that are made because of work, and are happy that Elizabeth has this opportunity.”
Effective immediately, the PBH executive committee has named Kristen Stevens as acting president, while Elizabeth will remain as CEO until her departure. “Kristen has worked closely with Elizabeth and PBH’s board of trustees for more than 10 years. Her knowledge of the industry, coupled with her deep understanding of PBH’s business and strategic plans and direction, made for an easy decision to name Kristen as acting president,” said Owens. Elizabeth will spend her remaining time at PBH wrapping up key projects and transitioning items to Kristen Stevens and the rest of the staff as appropriate.
“It has truly been my great honor and privilege to serve on the PBH staff,” said Pivonka. “I couldn’t have asked for a better career; not only because of the positive impact on consumers’ health, but also because I learned about an industry that, under enormous pressures, successfully brings to market our most nutritious foods day after day. I thank the industry for the opportunity to serve you, to learn from you, and for your support and friendship.”
Kristen Stevens, COO, Produce for Better Health Foundation – kstevens@pbhfoundation.org or 302.235.2329, x312
About Produce for Better Health Foundation
Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) fruit and vegetable education foundation. Since 1991, PBH works to motivate people to eat more fruits and vegetables to improve public health. PBH achieves success through industry and government collaboration, first with the 5 A Day program and now with the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters public health initiative. Fruits & Veggies—More Matters is the nation’s largest public-private, fruit and vegetable nutrition education initiative. To learn more, visit www.PBHFoundation.org and www.FruitsandVeggiesMoreMatters.org. Follow Fruits & Veggies—More Matters on Facebook or Twitter.
PBH also chairs the National Fruit & Vegetable Alliance (NFVA), consisting of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry working to collaboratively and synergistically achieve increased nationwide access and demand for all forms of fruits and vegetables for improved public health. To learn more, visit www.NFVA.org.
Source: Produce for Better Health Foundation
