FPFC announces new board for '24 with celebration
The Fresh Produce and Floral Council says it marked the transition from its 2023 board of directors to its 2024 board by reflecting on the past year of growth and success under the guidance of the 2023 chair, Michael Schutt of Bay Area Herb & Specialties.
"It has been an incredible year of growth and achievement for the FPFC. Our dedicated members, innovative initiatives and collaborative spirit have propelled us to new heights,” Schutt said in a news release. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that 2024 holds even greater opportunities for the FPFC."
The FPFC said it looks forward to the leadership of the 2024 chair, Kristen Reid of Mixtec Group.
"I am honored and thrilled to lead the FPFC in 2024. The organization has a strong foundation, and I am committed to taking it to new levels of success. Together with our members, we will continue to foster excellence within the fresh produce and floral industry," Reid, new council chair said in the release.
FPFC said it will hold a dinner dance at the Balboa Bay Resort on Saturday, Feb. 24, to formally induct the 2024 board. This event will bring together industry leaders, members and supporters to celebrate the ongoing success and future prospects of the FPFC, according to the release.
The evening will feature the passing of the gavel from Schutt to Reid; Schutt will remain on the board as the immediate past chair, replacing Kori Martin of Oppy, who will remain on the board as past chair representative, according to the release. Bryan Presley of Albertsons will serve as chair-elect.
Paige Venable of Vallarta Supermarkets has joined the FPFC’s executive committee as secretary, and Veronica Rodarte of Progressive Produce will serve as treasurer, the organization said. Roger Schroeder and Marvin Quebec of Quebec Distributing Co. will continue to serve as Honorary Advisors to the board.
Retiring from the FPFC board this year are:
- Sean McClure, Professional Produce.
- Neil Merritt, Pairwise.
- Mil Mijanovic, Safeway.
New to the board are:
- Daniel Bell, Grocery Outlet.
- Myisha Nathaniel, Raley’s.
- Ryan Sanchez, Albertsons.
- Rachelle Schulken, Calavo.
Continuing their service as board members are:
- Andrew Bivens, Westlake Produce Co.
- Jacob Cadwallader, Stater Bros. Markets.
- Baltazar Garcia, Local Bounti.
- Alex Jackson, Frieda’s.
- Natalie J. Machado, FreshSource.
- Brad Martin, Perimeter Sales & Merchandising.
- Lynnie Nojadera, Great West Produce Co.
- Debi Orrin, Edge Sales and Retail Services.
- Caitlin Tierney, 99 Cents Only.
- Shonna Lea Williams, Cardenas Markets.
- Michelle Allen-Ziegler, Pactiv.
The FPFC said it is grateful for the 2023 board's dedication and that it welcomes the incoming board with anticipation for a year filled with growth, achievements and continued success.
FPFC says its mission is to connect members to the information, education and professional network they need to increase knowledge, grow their businesses and collectively advance the industry.
