Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association names new director of labor relations

James “Jamie” Fussell Jr. is the new director of labor relations at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, replacing Mike Carlton, who retired in November.

Fussell comes to the association from the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Office of General Counsel in Tampa, according to a news release.

Before that, he worked in the public sector, including with the Georgia commissioner of agriculture, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“Jamie grew up in the agricultural industry in South Florida,” association president Mike Joyner said in the release. “His unique understanding of the industry coupled with his legal experience will be an asset and important resource for our members.”

A graduate of the University of Florida, Fussell holds a bachelor’s degree in food and resource economics with an international specialization. He then earned his doctoral degree in law from the University of Mississippi School of Law.

A member of the Florida Bar, Fussell is licensed to practice in the state.

“It is my sincere privilege to join FFVA’s team of forward-thinking professionals in serving our members by advancing the initiatives that will ensure their workforce and labor needs are met,” Fussell said in the release.