January 8th, 2024 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA – The Fresh Produce and Floral Council (FPFC) BB #:162392 proudly announces the transition of leadership from the outgoing 2023 Board of Directors to the incoming 2024 Board of Directors.
The organization reflects on a year of remarkable growth and success under the guidance of the 2023 Chair, Michael Schutt of Bay Area Herb & Specialties.
As the outgoing chair, Michael Schutt expressed his enthusiasm for the organization’s accomplishments in 2023. “It has been an incredible year of growth and achievement for the FPFC. Our dedicated members, innovative initiatives, and collaborative spirit have propelled us to new heights. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that 2024 holds even greater opportunities for the FPFC.”
The FPFC looks forward to the leadership of Kristen Reid, incoming 2024 Chair from MIXTEC Group. Kristen shared her excitement about taking on the role of chair for the upcoming year.
“I am honored and thrilled to lead the FPFC in 2024. The organization has a strong foundation, and I am committed to taking it to new levels of success. Together with our members, we will continue to foster excellence within the fresh produce and floral industry.”
In celebration of this transition, the FPFC will host a Dinner Dance at the Balboa Bay Resort on Saturday, February 24, 2024, to formally induct the 2024 Board of Directors. This event promises to be a memorable occasion, bringing together industry leaders, members, and supporters to celebrate the ongoing success and future prospects of the FPFC.
The evening will feature the passing of the gavel from Michael Schutt of Bay Area Herbs & Specialties to Kristen Reid of MIXTEC Group but Michael will remain on the board as Immediate Past Chair, replacing Kori Martin of Oppy who will remain on the board as Past Chair Representative; and Bryan Presley of Albertsons will serve as Chair Elect.
Paige Venable of Vallarta Supermarkets has joined the FPFC’s Executive Committee as Secretary, and Veronica Rodarte of Progressive Produce will serve as Treasurer. Roger Schroeder and Marvin Quebec of Quebec Distributing Co. will continue to serve as Honorary Advisors to the board.
Retiring from the FPFC Board this year are:
- Sean McClure, Professional Produce
- Neil Merritt, Pairwise
- Mil Mijanovic, Safeway
New to the Board of Directors are:
- Daniel Bell, Grocery Outlet
- Myisha Nathaniel, Raley’s
- Ryan Sanchez, Albertsons
- Rachelle Schulken, Calavo
Continuing their service as members of the FPFC Board of Directors are:
- Andrew Bivens, Westlake Produce Co.
- Jacob Cadwallader, Stater Bros. Markets
- Baltazar Garcia, Local Bounti
- Alex Jackson, Frieda’s
- Natalie J. Machado, FreshSource
- Brad Martin, Perimeter Sales & Merchandising
- Lynnie Nojadera, Great West Produce Co.
- Debi Orrin, Edge Sales + Retail Services
- Caitlin Tierney, 99 Cents Only
- Shonna Lea Williams, Cardenas Markets
- Michelle Allen-Ziegler, Pactiv
The FPFC expresses gratitude to the outgoing 2023 Board of Directors for their dedication and welcomes the incoming 2024 Board of Directors with anticipation for a year filled with growth, achievements, and continued success.
The mission of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council is to connect members to the information, education, and professional network they need to increase knowledge, grow their businesses, and collectively advance the industry.
Fresh Produce & Floral Council
www.fpfc.org/about/
P: 714.739.0177 E: Info@FPFC.org
For more information contact:
Fresh Produce & Floral Council
Emma McBride-Taylor,
Event & Communications Specialist
