The United Fresh Produce Association announced the members of the 2019-20 United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program Leadership Class 25. Sponsored by a grant from Corteva Agriscience, the agriculture division of DowDuPont, this program was launched in 1995 and has graduated more than 200 program participants.
The Produce Industry Leadership Program welcomed the following professionals to its 25th class:
- Fernando Aguiar, Naturipe Farms LLC
- Aly Ahnert, Fresh Start Foods Canada Ltd.
- Peter Barone, Starbucks
- Frank Camera, SunFed
- Annie Faller, Gold Coast Packing Co. Inc.
- Craig Fields, RPE Inc.
- Bobby Grinstead, The Grinstead Group LLC
- Martha Hilton, Wegmans
- Marc Newman, Capital City Fruit Co. Inc.
- Stephanie Pharris, Duncan Family Farms LLC
- Jennifer Pulcipher, North Bay Produce Inc.
- Oliver Sill, Columbine Vineyards
Beginning this July, the members of Leadership Class 25 will participate in a number of educational events and outings centered on the four core focus areas of the program: leadership development, business relationships, government and public affairs, and media and public communications.
During the year-long fellowship, participants will take part in a series of customized trips that include face-to-face meetings with leading industry players, hands-on training with top industry experts and educators and interactive experiences with influential leaders in Washington. This year's schedule will feature trips to California, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida and San Diego, where the class will graduate at United Fresh 2020 Convention & Expo.
"We are thrilled to welcome the newest class of the Produce Industry Leadership Program,” said Amanda Griffin, senior director of education and member programs for United Fresh. "We congratulate Class 25 for their commitment to becoming future fresh produce leaders.”
“Corteva Agriscience has been the sole sponsor of the Produce Industry Leadership Program since its inception 25years ago,” said Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president and chief executive officer. “Their tremendous support creates a unique opportunity for future fresh produce leaders to grow professionally and personally, ensuring a bright future for our industry.”
Candidates selected for the program submitted an application, including essays on what they consider the most important challenges affecting the produce industry, and had two personal interviews with members of the Leadership Advisory Committee, comprising United Fresh board members and program alumni. The committee is responsible forassessing each candidate based on their experience and expertise, as well as developing a class that is balanced and representative of the industry
