LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA - Several new faces will be picking up the mantle on Saturday, February 4, as the Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC) convenes at the Langham Pasadena in Pasadena, California. The council will be honoring past FPFC Chairs and outgoing board members in addition to welcoming new board members at its “The Heist, Featuring Ocean’s 58” Casino Night event.

With this change to the board, Kori Martin from Oppy has announced that she will be stepping down as Michael Schutt from Raley’s takes the wheel as FPFC Chair.

“I was honored to serve as Chair of the FPFC Board in 2022! It was an outstanding year with a successful EXPO in April, new and strengthened partnerships with charities, we held our first volunteer day with Brighter Bites in Northern California, welcomed many new members, and had the pleasure of reconnecting with our membership throughout the year!” FPFC’s Outgoing Chair Martin stated. “We are very thankful for Brian Cook, who is retiring off the board this year. His hard work through the most challenging times we’ve experienced as an organization through the pandemic was an integral part of building a stronger foundation for the future of this organization, and we appreciate all the energy he brought to the FPFC. We are excited to welcome our new board members and as Immediate Past Chair, I look forward to continuing to work under Michael Schutt’s leadership, the FPFC Board, and Staff. We are all motivated by the hard work that was achieved and the guiding light of putting our members first, focusing on connecting them to valuable experiences, to industry education, and to each other to enhance industry relationships.”

A highlight of the evening will be the Council’s formal honoring of the Past FPFC Chairs. According to the release, the honorees will be featured in the evening with a video presentation, sponsored by Todd-versations. The evening will also feature the formal introduction of the 2023 Board of Directors.

As Martin passes the gavel to Schutt, she will remain on the board as Past Chair Representative, replacing Sean McClure of Professional Produce, who will remain on the board as Past Chair Representative; Kristen Reid of MIXTEC Group will serve as Chair Elect.

“I am honored to be chosen as the 2023 FPFC Chair. I am very excited to work hand-in-hand with our FPFC Board, Staff, and Committees to bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and provide value to our members making this Association even better,” incoming FPFC Chair Schutt stated. “These past few years the FPFC Board and members have shown their strength and commitment to the success of this organization and the produce and floral industry. We are also excited to host the Past Chairs of the FPFC at “the Heist Featuring Ocean’s 58” to honor and thank them for their support and devotion to the Fresh Produce & Floral Council. This association is built on relationships, and we will continue to grow and nurture those relationships this year and beyond.”

Making up the Executive Committee team will be:

• Rachelle Schulken, Calavo, incoming Secretary
• Bryan Presley, Albertsons, incoming Treasurer
• Roger Schroeder, Honorary Advisor
• Marvin Quebec, Quebec Distributing, incoming Honorary Advisor

New to the Board of Directors are:

• Paige Venable, Vallarta Supermarkets
• Baltazar Garcia, Local Bounti
• Caitlin Tierney, Sprouts

Continuing their service as members of the FPFC Board of Directors are:

• Andrew Bivens, Westlake Produce Co.
• Brad Martin, Perimeter Sales & Merchandising
• Debi Orrin, Edge Sales + Retail Services
• Jake Cadwallader, Stater Bros.
• Lynnie Nojadera
• Michelle Allen-Ziegler, Pactiv/Evergreen
• Mil Mijanovic, Safeway
• Natalie J. Machado, FreshSource
• Neil Merritt, Insights with Merritt
• Shonna Lea Williams, Cardenas Markets
• Veronica Rodarte, Progressive Produce

Welcome, 2023 FPFC Board of Directors! We can’t wait to see what the year holds for the industry.

Fresh Produce & Floral Council