Living Greens Farm continues growth with new personnel

Living Greens Farm, one of the largest indoor vertical aeroponic farms in the U.S., announced the arrival of a new independent director of the LGF Board, a new VP of sales and a plant engineer.

Kevin Murphy has been appointed as an independent director of the LGF Board. He will be integral in strategic planning and policies at LGF. He has spent over 37 years in the packaged goods industry and is widely known as a strong strategic marketer, having served on management teams that drove impressive corporate growth. Murphy recently retired as chief executive officer for Incredible Foods, Inc. and president & CEO of Fishery Products International, previously. He also served 21 years with Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc, where he rose to the position of chief operating officer of that $2.5 billion food and beverage company. Murphy serves on the boards of The Narragansett Beer Company, Blount Fine Foods, Babcock & King, and several civic associations. He holds an AB degree from Harvard University and an MBA from Vanderbilt University.

“Kevin will be a vital partner to the Board and myself as we launch the Living Greens Farm nationally to become a leading produce brand that consumers love,” said George Pastrana, president and CEO.

Katie Grady has joined the LGF Team as the new VP of sales. She has 11 years of progressively increasing responsibilities at Hain-Celestial Group, most recently as VP of sales – Central Region, Grocery/Personal Care/Baby, managing a $250 million sales portfolio with customers such as Whole Foods, Target, UNFI, Hy-Vee, and other leading retailers. Prior to that, she was an account manager at broker JL Buchanan, managing the Method Home Care business at Target. Grady started her career in retail as an Analyst and Buyer at Marshall Field and Company and Macy’s Inc. She earned a BS in Retail Merchandising and Management, with a Business Administration Minor at University of Wisconsin – Stout.

Jerry Gray will be joining the LGF team as the plant engineer of LGF’s Muncie, Indiana plant, which is currently under construction. He has over 25 years of engineering experience in aerospace, automotive, railroad, and food and beverage with well-known industry leaders. Gray is Six Sigma Black Belt certified with an extensive lean manufacturing background and expertise in project management, both domestically and internationally. He is a native Hoosier and proud member of the Muncie community. He attended College of Charleston, Ivy Tech and Ball State.

Grady will report directly to George Pastrana, CEO and Gray will report to Melanie Faust, VP of supply chain.

“Katie and Jerry are topnotch leaders in their respective fields,” said Pastrana. “I am delighted to have their capabilities and know-how added to the LGF team as we continue on our path of national growth.”