United Fresh’s class of the Produce Industry Leadership Program

The United Fresh Produce Association has named the members of the 2018-2019 United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program Leadership Class 24. Sponsored by a generous 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 welcomes the following professionals to its 24th Class:

• Daniel Corsaro, Indianapolis Fruit Company, Indianapolis, IN
• Shanan Cox, Sam’s Club, Bentonville, AR
• Heather Fuller, Braga Fresh Family Farms, Bakersfield, CA
• Jason Frost, Apio Inc., Hanover, PA
• Brett Grimm, Grimmway Farms, Bakersfield, CA
• Lacy Litten, Innovative Produce, Santa Maria, CA
• Matt Roy, US Foods, Rosemont, IL
• Brianna Shales, Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, WA
• Leslie Simmons, Dave’s Specialty Imports, Medley, FL
• Olivia Storvik, NatureSweet Tomatoes, San Antonio, TX
• Lori Taylor, The Produce Moms, Indianapolis, IN
• Ross Williams, Titan Farms, Ridge Spring, SC

Beginning this July, the members of Leadership Class 24 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 which include face-to-face meetings with leading industry players, hands-on training with top industry experts and educators, interactive experiences with influential leaders in Washington, and more. This year’s schedule will feature trips to Ohio, Michigan, Canada, Washington, D.C., Wilmington, DE, Mexico, and Chicago, where the class will graduate at the 2019 United Fresh Convention.

“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 24 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 24 years ago,” said Tom Stenzel, United Fresh President & CEO. “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 comprised of United Fresh Board members and program alumni. The committee is responsible for assessing each candidate based on their experience and expertise, as well as developing a class that is balanced and representative of the industry.

For questions or additional information on the Produce Industry Leadership Program, visit www.unitedfresh.org or contact said Amanda Griffin, Senior Director of Education and Member Programs for United Fresh at agriffin@unitedfresh.org or 202-303-3412.