The U.S. Apple Association named a new chair to lead its board of directors. Washington grower and shipper Steve Clement, CEO of Sage Fruit Co., will serve the 2023-24 term.

Sage Fruit has five warehouse/packing partners and ships more than $280 million of fresh fruit globally. Clement has been with Sage Fruit for 18 years. He also sits on the governing board of the Northwest Fruit Exporters. His immediate past role at USApple was vice chair of the board of directors.

“When Steve speaks, people listen,” said USApple President and CEO Jim Bair. “He leads from the front, has a growth mindset

F&S Fresh Foods hired Jay Schneider in its newly created role of director of sales operations. Schneider is in charge of helping to grow top-line sales, driving awareness of the company’s capabilities and products to current and future clients. He is drawing on his vast experience gained during a quarter-century with Acme Markets, giving him insight into what retailers want and need to grow product sales.

“We are excited to have Jay Schneider join the F&S Fresh Foods family as director of sales operations, as we know he will bring incredible expertise to his new role. I am confident that as a

Coborn’s Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Dave Meyer will retire from the company, effective Dec. 31. David Best has joined the company as chief operating officer and will add the role of president upon Meyer’s retirement at the end of 2023.

“Dave has been an instrumental force and leader that has brought Coborn’s, Inc. to the next level,” said Chris Coborn, Coborn’s, Inc. chairman and CEO. “He has always delivered a strong and strategic vision to our organization and has played a vital role in implementing high-level operational standards, people development, and our brand promise

Smith's Farm, a leading East Coast vegetable shipper based in Presque Isle, ME, announced the promotion of two key team members to vice president roles.

Kamden Bates, a dedicated four-year employee, has been elevated to the role of vice president of sales. Jenn Edgecomb, a devoted member of the team for an impressive 17 years, has been named vice president of strategic projects.

According to Tara Smith Vighetti, president of Smith’s Farm Sales, these promotions come as a testament to the hard work, dedication and exemplary leadership that both have consistently exhibited during their tenure

FiveStar Gourmet Foods added seasoned food industry executive Jerry Callahan to its board of directors. He boasts an impressive four-decade tenure with the Albertson Cos.

Callahan's role as group vice president of produce, floral, meat and seafood encompassed more than sales and profit management, but spearheading innovation across 2,250 stores across 14 divisions, coast-to-coast. His contributions in revolutionizing in-store produce programs set a precedent for unparalleled fresh quality. Widely recognized as a preeminent fresh merchant, his skill in identifying emerging consumer trends and

Ethan Williams has been promoted to Vanguard International USA LLC's vice president of global sales and marketing.

“This is another important day for Vanguard International and Vanguard Direct as we continue to make structural changes designed to reinforce and grow the business for the Group as a whole,” said Dirk Winkelmann, president of Vanguard International and Vanguard Direct.

Williams has been an integral part of the Vanguard Direct team in his role as sales manager for the past two years, and with this transfer and promotion he will shift his focus and expertise to the Vanguard