West Pak Avocado, a global supplier of fresh avocados, welcomed Stephen Sheldon as director of global sourcing. In his new position, he will lead and manage the strategic planning, budgeting, and execution of sourcing from global regions, including California, Mexico and South America. Sheldon will foster, develop and manage long-term relationships and key partnerships with existing and prospective growers and farming corporations in support of the company’s strategic direction and growth plan.

In his role as director of global sourcing, Sheldon will report to Vice President of International

The United Fresh Produce Association announced the members of the 2021-22 United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program Leadership Class 26. United Fresh introduced the 12 members of Class 26 during a live webinar, which included a celebration of Class 25, before they graduate next month at the United Fresh Washington Conference. Sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, the leadership program was launched in 1995 and has graduated more than 250 program participants.

The Produce Industry Leadership Program welcomes the following professionals to its 26th Class:

• Sonya Carrillo, Wonderful Citrus

Moxxy’s award-winning team is celebrating a major accomplishment by one of its members: the agency recently promoted Christina Fuentes to project manager. A key member of the East Coast team, Fuentes has spent more than a year at Moxxy managing creative print and digital work, PR, events and branding projects, while building relationships with clients, the media and the produce industry as a whole. Her accomplishment elevates her to a key role managing marketing projects for Southeastern clients and providing mentorship and training for her co-workers.

"I’m proud of what I’ve helped the

Grocery retailer and distributor SpartanNash announced Tyler King has been promoted to vice president of finance and finance business partner for the company's retail business segment.

In his new role, King will serve as an advisor for the retail business segment, led by Tom Swanson, executive vice president and general manager of corporate retail. King will provide strategic insights to support SpartanNash's 148 retail stores in attaining financial goals and company objectives. King will report to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jason Monaco.

"Tyler's experience in

Mucci Farms hired produce industry veteran Ken Paglione as the company's sales account manager.  Joining Mucci with more than 15 years of experience in greenhouse produce, Paglione brings a diverse set of skills having contributed to numerous departments such as marketing, commodity planning and logistics in addition to sales.  His overall know-how will greatly assist the sales team as they continue to ramp up their efforts to increase supply and onboard new partners.  

Over the last few years, Mucci Farms has undergone dramatic expansion across the board with annual construction of new

The U.S. Apple Association has named a new chair to lead its board of directors. Michigan grower Chris Alpers of RedPath Orchards and Alpers Farms will serve the 2021-22 term.

A third-generation grower, Alpers is the operations manager of RedPath Orchards and Alpers Farms and a partner in Alpers Tree Sales in Lake Leelanau, MI, where he grows apples, as well as sweet and tart cherries.

Alpers' leadership in USApple began when he was selected as a Young Apple Leader in 2014 and has since continued, including three years of service as a USApple officer. His immediate past role was vice chair