Pat McDowell, a longtime produce industry leader and early pioneer of value-added produce, died Friday, April 17. He was 75.

Mr. McDowell's career spanned over 45 years in Southern California. He was a huge advocate for the Fresh Produce & Floral Council, and he served many years on its board before and after his term serving as chairman in 2005. 

He had a mental Roll-A-Dex of friends, and he could make things happen. He was like a bulldog when he was working on any given project, and he would follow up like no other sales rep. If there was an issue, Mr. McDowell was determined to repair it. He

Ernie Dosio, owner of Pacific Agrilands and an agriculture leader based in California, was killed April 17 during a hunting trip to Gabon. He was 75. 

Mr. Dosio’s Modesto, CA-based vineyard comprises more than 12,000 acres. The company also specializes in harvesting and farm-management services. 

A Lodi, CA, resident, Mr. Dosio was a conservationist with humanitarian efforts tied to his safari expeditions. He was also well known for his charitable support, especially for agricultural groups and children’s organizations. 

Mr. Dosio was an avid hunter, and according to multiple reports was hunting

PennRose has named Luis Corella president of Mexican growing operations, strengthening the company's leadership as it continues to expand across Mexico and North America.

Corella brings extensive experience across retail, sales and grower relations. He began his career as a retail buyer with Safeway before moving into sales with Fresno-based grower-shippers, ultimately rising to president Baloian Mexico. In that role, he drove growth, expanded distribution networks and built strong strategic partnerships.

"PennRose has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner to both growers and customers

Rich Lazer has been selected as PhilaPort's next executive director and CEO, ushering in a new chapter for one of America’s fastest-growing ports. Lazer will succeed Jeff Theobald, who announced his retirement in December after a decade of transformative leadership. Lazer is expected to assume the role on June 1.

Lazer, who currently serves as executive director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, has earned a reputation as a respected public-sector leader with vast experience in labor relations, operations management, stakeholder engagement and complex negotiations. Prior to leading the PPA

Gotham Greens announced a new leadership structure designed to ensure continuity and position the company for its next phase of growth. Viraj Puri, who co-founded Gotham Greens and has served as CEO since 2008, will assume the role of executive chairman. In this new capacity, Puri will continue to guide and advise the company’s board of directors and leadership team on long-term strategy and growth. Craig Stevenson’s appointment as CEO comes as Gotham Greens celebrates its 15th anniversary in market with record growth, expanded national distribution and a rapidly diversifying product portfolio

Natural Delights is making a strategic shift in its business model to further support and grow domestic demand. As part of this evolution, the company will refocus its distribution primarily on the U.S. market while continuing to invest in category growth and consumer engagement nationwide.

In conjunction with this strategic shift, Natural Delights has appointed David Baxter as CEO. Baxter will lead the company into its next phase of growth, with a focused vision on expanding the brand’s leadership in the U.S. market. Baxter has been with Natural Delights for nearly eight years starting as a