Organic Produce Network names VP of events

Organic Produce Network, Monterey, Calif., has added Rachelle Schulken to its team in the newly created position of vice president of events. Schulken brings extensive event planning and marketing expertise to her role and will oversee the growth of the Organic Grower Summit, according to a news release.

Schulken joins OPN with more than 14 years of experience in the fresh produce industry, where she achieved success in trade show management and execution, strong branding and marketing skills, as well as sustainability program development and reporting. She formerly served as marketing and sustainability manager for Calavo Growers.

“I am incredibly excited to join the OPN team and leverage my produce industry experience, relationships and entrepreneurial spirit to advance the mission of the Organic Grower Summit,” Schulken said in the release. “I look forward to learning and growing alongside OPN leadership, building our portfolio of live-content events and programming, and representing the organic produce community.”

Related: Divert CEO Ryan Begin to give keynote at Organic Produce Summit

Related: OPS session to focus on how plant-based diets are fueling professional athletes

In her new role, Schulken will focus on the strategic growth of OGS, an annual event that brings together organic growers and producers with supply chain and service providers. She will be responsible for overseeing all exhibitor and sponsor outreach as well as developing the event’s educational program, collaborating with leadership from organic producers to provide first-class information, education and networking opportunities for all OGS attendees.

“We are thrilled to have Rachelle join the OPN team and work to grow OGS,” said Matt Seeley, CEO and co-founder of OPN. “She brings energy and passion for organic produce that will continue to maximize OPN’s position as the go-to resource in the organic fresh produce industry for information, education, and live events.”