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.

“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.

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