The Eastern Produce Council announced the members of its 2022 Leadership Class. The 14 selected up-and-coming produce professionals will benefit from professional development opportunities both in the field and classroom.

The respected program delivers growth and knowledge experiences in a variety of venues. “The goal is to provide those selected for the program the chance to gain valuable insight from both classroom and field experience,” said Susan McAleavey Sarlund, EPC executive director.

Participants selected for this year’s program are Mohammed Bouzaidi of Global Fresh Vision LLC; John

Harps Food Stores Inc. has appointed several directors to vice president, including the elevation of Mike Roberts to vice president of produce.

Roberts started his career at a Food 4 Less in North Little Rock, AR, in 1988 as a part time produce clerk while attending college at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He was first promoted to produce manager in 1992 and later to produce merchandiser in 2001. Throughout his time at Harps he’s had an opportunity to serve in every roll in the produce department from produce merchandiser, produce director and in his current role as vice

Walt Dasher of G&R Farms is donating $2,500 to World Central Kitchen to support the efforts of Chef Jose Andres' feeding operations as they prepare meals for Ukrainian refugees. WCK is serving meals at eight border crossings across the country and supporting local restaurants preparing meals in eight Ukrainian cities, including in Odessa, Lviv and Kyiv. WCK teams are also on the ground in Romania, Moldova, and Hungary.

Dasher challenged other industry members to match his efforts and make a donation to WCK.

“I have watched in disbelief, the crisis unfolding in the Ukraine and I am moved by

SpartanNash promoted David Petko to executive vice president and chief supply chain officer. He oversees all aspects of SpartanNash's global supply chain, which serves 145 company-owned stores, over 2,100 independent retailers and national accounts throughout the U.S., as well as U.S. military commissaries and exchanges around the world.

"The SpartanNash supply chain is the backbone of our operations as a food solutions Company," said President and CEO Tony Sarsam. "Dave's leadership has resulted in immediate impact on our productivity, making us more efficient and effective and enabling us

Kristen Smith Eshaya has been named the new president of JV Smith Cos. She grew up alongside of JV Smith Cos., and her commitment to excellence, its teams and to the industry will help propel the company to new heights. Vic Smith will continue as CEO and chairman of the board.

Smith Eshaya graduated valedictorian at Yuma High School in 2003. She then went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree in economics from Colorado College and a master's degree in human relations from Northern Arizona University. Smith Eshaya lived in Texas and California, working in finance and development for the arts

United Natural Foods, Inc. announced that Louis Martin has been appointed to the newly created position of chief strategy and transformation officer, with oversight of the company’s long-term growth strategy. Martin, who currently serves as president of the global Walmart customer team at The Coca-Cola Co., will join UNFI on March 21 and will report to Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s CEO.

“As we execute and evolve our Fuel the Future strategy, we are committed to building on both existing and new business platforms to deliver long-term, sustainable growth. The creation of this new role reflects our