Mike Kindy has joined Dollar Tree Inc. as chief supply chain officer. Kindy has more than 34 years of management experience in retail logistics and operating distribution centers.

“Improving our overall operating efficiency is contingent on a strong, resilient supply chain,” said Rick Dreiling, chairman and CEO of Dollar Tree Inc. “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to work with high-caliber leaders like Mike and the rest of our expert leadership team to drive improved supply chain performance, architect our next chapter of growth and create long-term value for all of our stakeholders.”

Pri

Kenneth Crossman, who had a long career in produce with A&P, The Potato Board, Sun World and Procacci Bros., died April 10 surrounded by family. He was 94.

Born in Toledo, OH, Mr. Crossman was raised in the Auburndale neighborhood of the city, graduating from DeVilbiss High School in 1946. He was the only child of the late Harold & Alice (Hipple) Crossman.

Mr. Crossman served in the U.S. Army, and upon discharge in 1952, pursued a long and rewarding career in produce, with the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Upon retirement, he continued to be active in various industry roles until the age

Michael Kamphaus, who has served as the president and CEO of Peirone Produce Co. for the past nine years, will retire this fall. Under his stewardship, since June of 2014, Peirone has continued to prosper and has grown into one of the largest distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables to independent grocers in the Inland Northwest.

Kamphaus, who has more than 40 years in various leadership roles in the produce industry, developed many long-term marketing strategies while supporting operation plans to secure the success of the companies he served.

This experience along with Kamphaus’

Ian LeMay, president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, will become president and CEO of the California Table Grape Commission in the spring of 2025.

LeMay will succeed Kathleen Nave, who has served in the lead staff role since January 1999 when she succeeded Bruce Obbink. Nave joined the commission in 1987 and plans to retire in the spring of 2025. LeMay will join the commission staff as incoming president once he finds and successfully transitions his successor.

“We are thrilled that Ian accepted the offer to join the commission team and to transition into the lead role,” said Nave

Matt Steve Pandol Jr. died unexpectedly at his home in Delano, CA, on April 21. He was 60.

Mr. Pandol was born June 27, 1962, to Matt and Lucy (Tudor) Pandol. Upon completing his high school education in Delano in 1980, Mr. Pandol attended Fresno State University, graduating with a degree in plant science. Following college he returned to Delano to work alongside his family in their farming/produce marketing businesses in Delano.

In 1994 Mr. Pandol married his best friend and partner in life, Linda.  They established their home in Delano, raising their three children, and growing some of the

Stew Leonard Sr. 1929-2023

Stew Leonard Sr., the founder of food retailer Stew Leonard’s, died April 26 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York after a brief illness. He was 93.

Born in Norwalk, CT, on Dec. 1, 1929, to the late Anna Stewart Leonard and Charles Leo Leonard, he was a graduate of Norwalk High School and of the University of Connecticut’s School of Agriculture. Mr. Leonard first worked for his family’s dairy business at Clover Farms Dairy in Norwalk. It was a state-of-the-art dairy by the standards of the time with a pasteurizing and bottling plant, and fresh milk delivered daily by