Packer 25 2021 — Susan McAleavey Sarlund
How did you get your start in the produce industry?
Really, I got involved because I love my dad, John McAleavey. He was the executive director of EPC for 25 years and worked at the New York Apple Association for 20-plus years. He was clearly my mentor who I idolized. I shadowed him in his roles for years, and he passed away in June 2015, and I started in July 2015. I like the people. I like the energy. And there are a lot of multigenerational families involved, and I was attracted to that too.
What roles have you held during you career?
Prior to the produce world, I worked for Nabisco in marketing and sales and at investment firms in sales and marketing roles.
How would you describe your current role?
I handle the day-to-day execution of goals and directives of EPC and I develop a calendar of events organizing seven events a year. At the New York Apple Association, I represent over 600 New York state growers to Northeast accounts. We go out to the retail community and offer them programs to support New York state apples and to drive sales through their stores.
What do you hope to accomplish/contribute through those roles?
At EPC, we have to create a community of members and companies, gathering people together, supporting each other in our goals, listening to each other’s needs. I want us to collaborate, learn from each other, network. We want to develop young leaders too, and that’s very exciting and new.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m really proud that in the past five years, we’ve adapted our EPC events and made changes to our calendar based on listening to members. They didn’t want sit-down meals that require just listening to someone; they wanted to be engaged and interacting with others and the sponsors. With Casino Night, Top Golf, the tailgate and apple-picking, it’s fun, and you’re getting business done and people are getting to see colleagues, be entertained and learn something. I’m proud of our Leadership Program, started in 2018, and the James and Theresa Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship.
What does leadership mean to you?
Setting the tone for an organization, surrounding yourself with good people, developing and cultivating relationships and moving forward into the future.
What's a little-known or fun fact about you?
I’m learning to play bridge, and I love to bake.
What's your favorite efficiency hack?
I’m an early bird. My dad taught me that too. I get a lot done before people get going: Up early and hit it hard with a clear mind.
If you had to pick one fruit or vegetable to eat every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
New York state apples. Besides eating in hand, I love to eat them with yogurt and walnuts, and I make good apple crostatas.
