FPAA names Ciruli as Member of Year

Chris Ciruli, chief operating officer of Ciruli Bros., Nogales, Ariz., is the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas Member of the Year honoree.

He received the recognition at the annual FPAA meeting on. May 2.

Ciruli was FPAA chairman of the from 2008-10 and continues as a board member. He is chairman of the FPAA’s Mango Division.

“He is a proud and vocal proponent of our community and our industry,” Sabrina Hallman, last year’s award recipient and head of Sierra Seed Co., said in a news release. “Chris can be relied on to escort and tour visitors from near and far, and all are welcomed and educated about the produce business here on our border regardless of their stature or the size of their wallet.”

Ciruli is an industry leader, FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer said in the release.

“When we think of this individual, we think of leadership, collegiality and optimism about the future. We think of innovative marketing. We think of a willingness to enter the political fray and say what must be said, no matter how difficult or delicate,” Jungmeyer said. “He is a man of good humor and can calm a tense moment or difficult conversation with his frank and direct way of confronting a situation. In this business, as serious as it can be, we sometimes need a laugh to bring us back to the ground.”

Ciruli is the treasurer of the National Mango Board and a United Fresh Produce Association board member.  He has served on the United Fresh Wholesaler-Distributor Board, the PMA Foodservice Board, and with PMA’s Foundation for Industry Talent.

“I am very humbled by this recognition from my peers, and I’m glad to keep giving back to the community that supports a great industry and great people,” Ciruli said in the release.