International Fresh Produce Association Announces Leadership Program Class 27; Nikki Wootten and Joe Kelsay Comment
ORLANDO, FL - We are definitely still riding a wave of excitement after the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show, and one key element of the invigorating trade show was the introduction of the 12 new members of the 2022–2023 Produce Industry Leadership Program Class 27.
“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,” said Nikki Wootten, Education and Program Manager, Talent, 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 27th class of the Produce Industry Leadership Program includes the following members:
- Rochelle Bohm, CMI Orchards
- Kacy Fabie, Colour Republic
- Sybil Faulconbridge, Tanimura & Antle
- Phillip Giles, Western Sky Produce
- Michael Grinstead, FreshEdge
- Kasey Kelley, Naturipe Farms
- Andy Kimbrel, Crunch Pak
- Bill Loupée, Ben B. Schwartz & Sons
- Josh Rector, Harps Food Stores
- Tiffany Sabelli, Pure Hothouse Foods
- Ross Shepard, Bowery Farming
- Olivia Storvik, Schraad & Associates
Starting November 2022, the members of Leadership Class 27 will participate in several educational events 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, including 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, a press release explained.
The leadership program, which was launched in 1995 and has graduated more than 300 program participants, is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience™.
“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,” said 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.”
Each of the selected candidates applied for the program, submitting essays on what they consider the most important challenges affecting the produce industry and participating in interviews with members of the Leadership Advisory Committee composed of program alumni.
Congratulations to all of these industry leaders on such an exciting opportunity!
