Washington, D.C.-based Equitable Food Initiative has hired Michael Lacey for the position of business development manager.
In the role, Lacey will be responsible for engaging produce growers in EFI’s certification program and helping ensure a seamless customer experience, according to a news release.
Lacey brings 30 years of sales and marketing experience along with deep roots in agriculture and fresh produce to EFI, the release said.
He began his career at Marriott Hotels International, then moved to selling branded fresh produce commodities to major retail and foodservice companies, including OSI Group, Darden Restaurants and Brinker International, according to the release.
Lacey then started his own sales and consulting company for several grower-shippers in the fresh produce industry.
“During the past five years EFI has seen continued growth, and as the need for more comprehensive social responsibility programs increases, we receive daily inquiries from suppliers,” Kevin Boyle, director of business and new product development for EFI, said in the release. “Michael’s experience in the produce industry as well as his roles on both the buy and supply side make him perfectly suited to help facilitate conversations and opportunities with partners interested in beginning their EFI journey.”
Some of Lacey’s responsibilities will include facilitating outreach to industry members through trade shows and industry events, determining the scope of audit for growers seeking EFI certification and providing guidance to growers during the audit and certification processes, according to the release.
EFI works with 29 grower-shipper companies on 80 farms, with 54 certifications completed and 26 more in progress, the release said.
“What drew me to EFI was the ability to continue my relationships with growers, while implementing EFI’s mission across the supply chain working with people who have shared core values to change the lives of farmworkers, while building safer, more resilient food systems,” Lacey said in the release.
