WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 12 new members of United Fresh’s Produce Industry Leadership Class 25 will kick off their yearlong program in California this week. Throughout the week, the class will engage in leadership development opportunities and meetings with industry members throughout California including, Mission Produce, Deardorff Family Farms, San Miguel, Bayer, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Limoneira, Sunkist, Grimmway and Wonderful Citrus.
“It’s always a special moment for all of us at United Fresh when our class of up-and-coming produce industry professionals takes the first step in their leadership journey,” said United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel. “Throughout their yearlong journey we will cheer them on as Class 25 prepares to become the future leaders of their companies and of our industry.”
The program, which started in 1995, is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, the agriculture division of DowDuPont, and has graduated more than 200 industry professionals. With extensive involvement from professional trainers, faculty, leading United Fresh members and Corteva Agriscience executives, the program immerses students in four core areas: leadership development, business relationships, government and public affairs and media and public communications.
Class 25 Members:
- Fernando Aguiar, Naturipe Farms, LLC
- Aly Ahnert, Fresh Start Foods Canada, Ltd.
- Peter Barone, Starbucks
- Frank Camera, SunFed
- Annie Faller, Gold Coast Packing Company, Inc.
- Craig Fields, RPE, Inc.
- Bobby Grinstead, The Grinstead Group, LLC
- Martha Hilton, Wegmans
- Marc Newman, Capital City Fruit Company, Inc.
- Stephanie Pharris, Duncan Family Farms, LLC
- Jennifer Pulcipher, North Bay Produce, Inc.
- Oliver Sill, Columbine Vineyards
“This year’s class marks the celebration of the 25th year of United Fresh’s Produce Leadership Program,” said United Fresh Vice President of Education & Member Programs Amanda Griffin. “Their journey will conclude with an elevated celebration of all 25 classes next June in San Diego. I look forward to gathering with all of our graduates and alumni of the program.”
The program culminates in June 2020, with graduation at the United Fresh 2020 Convention & Expo, June 16-18 at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA.
To learn more about the program and Class 25, visit the United Fresh website or contact Amanda Griffin, Vice President of Education & Member Programs at 202-303-3412 or agriffin@unitedfresh.org.
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About United Fresh Produce Association
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies
across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers,
shippers, fresh cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers,
foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. We empower
industry leaders to shape sound government policy. We deliver the resources and
expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical
issues. We provide the training and development individuals need to advance
their careers in produce. Through these endeavors, we unite out industry with a
common purpose – to build long-term value for our members and grow produce
consumption. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org
