MILLEN, GA - New educational opportunities are all around us, and one has been created courtesy of the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC). The association is expanding its education portfolio with a new leadership development program designed for up-and-coming leaders: the Next Generation Leadership Academy.

Raina Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Westfalia Fruit USA and Past Chairman, Southeast Produce Council“When we received an overwhelming number of nominations for our prestigious Next Generation Award last year, we realized the need to transform a single award into a robust leadership program,” said SEPC Past Chairman Raina Nelson of Westfalia Fruit USA. “The Next Generation Leadership Academy is more than a moment, more than a single award, and has been thoughtfully designed to recognize, honor, and invest in future leaders seeking to be changemakers in the produce industry.”

This year-long program will provide participants a unique approach to conscious leadership ideals and methodologies, a press release explained. The program will feature quarterly modules that will include virtually guided events and in-person programming events, all designed to prepare participants for future leadership responsibilities with content relevant to their leadership challenges.

The association is expanding its education portfolio with a new leadership development program designed for up-and-coming leaders: the Next Generation Leadership Academy

Nominations are now open here and will close December 15 before 5 p.m. EST. The inaugural class will be announced during the General Session & Keynote Luncheon at Southern Exposures 2023 and will graduate at Southern Exposure 2024.

Eligibility requirements for nominees include:

• Emerging leader in produce, mid-level manager or above
• Employed in the produce industry for at least four years
• Member in “Good Standing” of the SEPC
• Must possess a vision for leadership, a strong drive to carry it out, and strong communications skills to convey why they believe they would be a good candidate for the program by submitting a short video for selection process

We look forward to what’s to come from this emerging program!

Southeast Produce Council