BRENTWOOD, MO - A leader well known to us here at AndNowUKnow is expanding her influence, wielding her industry prowess to advance a key organization. The leader I’m speaking of is CarrieAnn Arias, Vice President of Marketing for Naturipe Farms, who was recently appointed as 2022 Chairman of the Board for the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH).

“I want to thank the PBH Board of Trustees, as well as extend my sincere appreciation to my predecessor, Matt Middleton of Ventura Foods, for his tremendous leadership of PBH during yet another challenging year,” said Arias. “I’m thrilled to work with the PBH team to advance the mission, grow the organization, and ultimately rally the industry around consumption. I am both humbled and honored by the opportunity to lead.”

Arias was recently approved by the PBH Board of Trustees and will be taking over the position from Matt Middleton, Vice President of Retail Sales for Ventura Foods. Over the last year, Middelton has helped to guide PBH through unprecedented challenges to continue to drive forward is goals.

“The past year has definitely had its challenges, yet the great PBH staff under Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak’s leadership were true champions and steered us through the rocks,” said Middleton. “I am thankful for the opportunity to have served as Chairman of such a great organization. We have so much more to do to increase consumption, and I know that under CarrieAnn’s leadership, we will make great strides forward!”

According to PBH’s governance, the organiztion is a 501c(3) organization led by the decisions of its Executive Officers, as well as the commitment, leadership, and support of the Board of Trustees. The 2022 PBH Executive Committee will include other well-respected industry names, including:

2022 PBH Executive Committee Officers

• Matt Middleton, Ventura Foods – Immediate Past Chairman of the Board
• Desiree Olivero, Wakefern Food Corporation – Vice Chairman of the Board
• Jason Osborn, The Wonderful Company – Secretary and Treasurer

2022 PBH At-Large Executive Committee Members

• Steven Jennings – Ahold Delhaize | USA
• Andrew Burchett – Bayer
• Bil Goldfield – Dole Food Company
• Nichole Towell – Duda Farm Fresh Foods
• Jeff Scramlin – HZPC
• Leona Neill – Red Sun Farms
• Kimberely Challoner - Seneca Foods Corporation
• Brianna Shales – Stemilt Growers
• Fernando Herrera – Sun-Maid Growers of California

Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, President and Chief Executive Officer of PBH commented on Arias’ new role as Chairman of the Board.

“CarrieAnn has served as a trusted advisor to me over the last few years given her tenure on the Executive Committee, and I am thrilled to work more closely with her as Chairman of the Board,” she stated. “Her passion is contagious, and it shines through in everything she embraces. CarrieAnn is committed to growing PBH and the Have A Plant^® Movement, while also advancing the industry’s collective commitment to overall fruit and vegetable consumption.”

During the recent January meeting, the PBH Board of Trustees also revisited the 2020–23 PBH Strategic Plan in addition to discussing details for the 2022 PBH Business Plan and Budget. The organization will continue its commitment to growth and increasing consumption based on its six pillars: Research and Behavioral Expertise, Consumer and Influencer Engagement, Convening Thought Leadership, Industry and Partner Engagement; Philanthropic Distinction, and Operational Excellence.

“PBH’s Strategic Plan is spot on for what the industry needs to change consumer consumption behaviors. The moment is now to rally around consumption and get people excited about eating and enjoying more fruits and vegetables every day,” added Arias. “PBH is also providing the industry with valuable platforms to help Americans choose fruits and vegetables first, and I strongly encourage the industry to get on board with supporting PBH and the Have A Plant Movement.”

Congratulations to CarrieAnn Arias on this exciting new role!

Produce for Better Health Foundation