After nearly three and a half decades shaping Oppy’s voice and reputation across the produce industry, Vice President of Marketing Karin Gardner is set to retire June 30, passing the torch to the newly appointed director of marketing, Kelsey Van Lissum.
Van Lissum officially stepped into the role March 1, succeeding Gardner after a decade of progressive leadership within Oppy’s marketing team.
“Karin is Oppy’s Ironman,” says James Milne, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of categories for Oppy. “From starting her career on Seattle’s Pier 90 in 1992 to becoming one of the most respected communicators in fresh produce, Karin fundamentally changed how Oppy was seen across the trade. Through her writing, strategic counsel and deep relationships with industry stakeholders, she elevated our profile and brought our ‘expect the world from us’ promise to life for audiences around the globe.”
Gardner joined Oppy as its first communications specialist in Seattle and went on to serve in a series of increasingly senior leadership positions. Throughout her career, she became known as a polished and thoughtful communicator whose influence extended far beyond the company. She was named to Produce Business magazine’s inaugural 40 Under 40 class and The Packer 25 while also serving as marketing communications chairperson for the Produce for Better Health Foundation. Widely respected for her storytelling abilities and strategic insight, Gardner helped position Oppy as one of the produce industry’s most recognizable and trusted brands.
“Because of her immense capabilities as a communicator, Karin became a trusted adviser not only to me but to generations of leaders across Oppy,” Milne says. “She approached every message with care, wisdom and authenticity, and that influence will continue to shape our business long after her retirement.”
As Gardner prepares to retire, Oppy’s marketing leadership transitions to Van Lissum, whose career at Oppy began in 2015 as the company’s first social media coordinator. Working closely alongside Gardner, she steadily expanded her role and responsibilities while helping modernize Oppy’s communications strategy and strengthen its voice across digital and trade media channels.
“Kelsey grew up professionally under Karin’s wing. Her journey reflects both her talent and her dedication to this business,” says Oppy President and Chief Operating Officer David Smith. “She understands the importance of relationships, authentic storytelling and evolving how we communicate in a changing world.”
Committed to leadership development, Van Lissum participated in the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Passion for Produce program in 2018, completed Stanford University’s Crisis Management for Leaders program in 2023 and graduated from the International Fresh Produce Association’s Emerging Leaders Program in 2024. She was also recognized as a 2023 Packer 25 honoree and named among AndNowUKnow’s 2022 Mentors in the Making. In her new role, Van Lissum will oversee Oppy’s marketing team.
“While Karin leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, we’re equally excited about the future under Kelsey’s leadership,” Smith says. “She brings energy, creativity and a fresh perspective to our marketing organization while staying deeply connected to the values and relationships that define Oppy.”
