Joe Pezzini Steps in as Chair for Center for Produce Safety
WOODLAND, CA - An experienced leader combined with a winning strategy is the recipe for success. With a comprehensive plan to bolster food safety across the produce industry, Joe Pezzini is stepping in as the new Chair of the Center for Produce Safety’s (CPS) Board of Directors.
“In 15 short years, Center for Produce Safety has grown into an extraordinary melting pot of industry, research, regulatory, and public health leaders who are doing much more together to advance fresh produce food safety than we ever could alone,” said Pezzini. “Our goal for the next five years will be to continue that positive trajectory. That means making sure that CPS can continue to innovate in how we fund science, find solutions, and fuel change in produce safety.”
Pezzini was elected Chair during the CPS Board Directors’ Annual Business Meeting on June 23. The industry expert currency serves as the Senior Director of Agricultural Operations for Taylor Farms. Pezzini’s first priority as CPS Board Chair will be to guide the Board’s update of the Center’s strategic plan, a press release noted.
“The food we grow and sell to consumers is the same food we take home to our families. Our work doesn’t get more personal than that,” Pezzini added. “Food safety should be the number one thing we do. Center for Produce Safety helps us get there.”
In addition, the Board also welcomed six returning members and one new one, as Amy Gates, Vice President of Seald Sweet/Greenyard USA, has joined the Board for the first time.
The board members who agreed to serve additional three-year terms include:
- Jim Brennan, President, SmartWash Solutions
- Mike Joyner, President, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association
- Dave Murray, Partner, Andrew & Williamson/Good Farms
- Mark Mignogna, Vice President, Quality Assurance, Sysco
- Victor Smith, Chief Executive Officer, J.V. Smith Farms
- Craig Wilson, Vice President, Quality Assurance and Food Safety, Costco Wholesale
In addition to Pezzini as Board Chair, the Officers elected for the 2022–2024 term include:
- Bret Erickson, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs for Little Bear Produce, as Secretary
- Mark Powers, President of Northwest Horticultural Council, as Treasurer
To read more about changes to the CPS Board of Directors, including retiring members, click here.
Congratulations to all of these leaders for stepping up to guide the industry’s advancements in food safety!
