The Eastern Produce Council has selected an unprecedented 26 members for its 2023 Leadership Class.
These up-and-coming produce professionals will benefit from several professional development opportunities applicable to the produce industry, according to a news release.
The program delivers growth and knowledge experiences in a variety of venues, as well as the chance to network with other young professionals. They work in companies along the supply chain, from retailers to wholesalers to growers.
Learn more on PMG: Eastern Produce Council
“Through this program, participants have the opportunity to grow from experiences in both field and classroom,” EPC Executive Director Susan McAleavey Sarlund said in the release. “This learning environment furthers their ability to develop their career in our industry. This is the largest class we’ve had yet, which underscores the value of this type of combined classroom-field program.”
Participants selected for this year’s program include:
- Brian Arena, Four Seasons Produce Inc.
- Julie Barber, The Oppenheimer Group.
- Lauren Barczak, Procacci Bros. Sales Corp..
- Jack Christy, The Oppenheimer Group.
- Andrea Cutler, Michael Cutler Co.
- Tyler Davidov, Suja.
- Anna Fagan, AeroFarms.
- Michael Hill, NatureSweet.
- Chris Jacobsen, Silo.
- Mike Kominsky, Ventura Foods.
- Savannah Lloyd, Farm-Wey Produce Inc.
- Joshua Minton, Frank Donio Inc.
- Isaac Olivas, Fowler Farms.
- Luke Palizay, Pacific Trellis Fruit.
- Max Pozzessere, Little Leaf Farms.
- Nicolina Rutherford, Wakefern Food Corp.
- Jessica Sarter, Pulmuone Foods.
- Jerry Scherwin, PennRose Farms.
- Christopher Scotti, John Vena Inc.
- Eric Smith, John Vena Inc.
- Karolina Sokolska, Hampton Farms.
- Alexis Sommers, F&S Fresh Foods.
- Joseph Strumolo, Wakefern Food Corp.
- Stephanie Tramutola, A & J Produce Corp.
- Jenna Vaccaro, Sugar Foods.
- Nicholas Vargas, Wakefern Food Corp.
The 2023 program will kick off in March with a visit to the Philadelphia Produce Wholesale Market, followed by Holt Cargo Systems at the Port of Gloucester, N.J.
Related news: New York Produce Show busier than in 2021
“Experiencing the logistical role of these crucial hubs first-hand provides a key perspective into the supply chain,” McAleavey Sarlund said.
In April, the group will participate in a seminar on the Food Safety and Modernization Act at Top Golf in Edison, N.J., before an EPC membership event at the same location.
“This seminar presents and discusses significant food safety issues,” McAleavey Sarlund said. “Food safety is another crucial area for our industry and remains an important topic to incorporate into leadership development.”
In October, the class will enjoy field experiences at Hionis Greenhouses and Rutgers Snyder Research Farm in New Jersey, and a seminar in leadership by a Rutgers University adjunct professor. The program will wrap up in December with participation in the New York Produce Show, including the Cornell University Foundational Excellence Future-Leaders-In-Produce program, the show’s opening reception, and recognition at the keynote breakfast.
Related news: New York Produce Show busier than in 2021
