Nov 1, 2022

New Produce Industry Leadership Program Class announced

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced the members of the 2022-23 Produce Industry Leadership Program Class 27.

IFPA introduced the 12 members of Class 27 during The Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando in late October. Sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, the leadership program was launched in 1995 and has graduated more than 300 program participants.

“We are thrilled to welcome the newest class of the Produce Industry Leadership Program. Class 27 comprises a great mix of up-and-coming leaders throughout the fresh produce industry,” Nikki Wootten, education and program manager for talent, at IFPA. “We have an engaging leadership journey lined up for the class over the next year. We congratulate Class 27 for their commitment to becoming future fresh produce leaders.”

The Produce Industry Leadership Program welcomes the following professionals to its 27th Class:

• Rochelle Bohm, CMI Orchards
• Kacy Fabie, Colour Republic
• Sybil Faulconbridge, Tanimura & Antle
• Phillip Giles, Western Sky Produce
• Michael Grinstead, FreshEdge
• Kasey Kelley, Naturipe Farms, LLC.
• Andy Kimbrel, Crunch Pak
• Bill Loupée, Ben B. Schwartz & Sons Inc.
• Josh Rector, Harp’s Food Stores
• Tiffany Sabelli, Pure Hothouse Foods Inc.
• Ross Shepard, Bowery Farming
• Olivia Storvik, Schraad & Associates

Starting in November, the group will participate in several educational events, both in-person and virtually, centered on the four core focus areas of the program: leadership development, business relationships, government and public affairs, and media and public communications.

“We are proud to continue supporting the industry’s premier leadership program, investing in future industry leaders as well as the fresh produce industry as a whole,” Joe Kelsay, US Food Chain CoNNEXT, from program sponsor Corteva Agriscience. “We are excited for the fellows of the next program to begin their journey.”

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.

Candidates selected applied for the program, which included essays on what they consider the most important challenges affecting the produce industry and had interviews with members of the Leadership Advisory Committee comprised of 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, contact Nikki Wootten, Education & Program Manager, Talent, IFPA at [email protected] or 302-607-2144.