The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has named James (Jamie) Fussell Jr. as its new director of labor relations. He replaces Mike Carlton, who retired in November.

Fussell comes to FFVA from the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Office of General Counsel in Tampa. Prior to that, he held various positions in the public sector, including with the Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“Jamie grew up in the agricultural industry in south Florida,” said FFVA President Mike

Grimmway Farms has hired Keri Morrelli as product innovation and development director. Joining the sales and marketing team, Morrelli will oversee product development from ideation to launch for all divisions at Grimmway, one of the largest carrot producers in the world and one of the largest organic vegetable producers in the United States. In addition to leading strategy for new product development, Morrelli will also be responsible for optimizing the company’s existing product lines and packaging materials.

“As our business grows and the demand for value-added, plant-based products

Floyd Charles Olsen, known best as “Chuck” to those in the produce industry, died Dec. 30 in Visalia, CA, after a battle with health problems related to back pain. He was 77.

Mr. Olsen founded his namesake Chuck Olsen Co. in 1987 and spent the majority of his life in the agriculture trade.

“He was all about integrity,” said his son, Jeff, who serves as president of The Chuck Olsen Co. today. “He always wanted to do the best for his customers, most who became his longtime friends through the years.”

The ag industry was in Mr. Olsen’s blood. His grandfather came over from Denmark in 1910 and

On the heels of closing its $68 million funding round, led by Equilibrium Capital, Revol Greens is adding Michael B. Wainscott to the newly created role of chief financial officer. The Minnesota-based producer of sustainably and hydroponically farmed lettuce varieties is on a steady growth track to advance its mission of reaching more Americans with its Grown Clean and Green produce within 24 hours of harvesting. As CFO, Wainscott will oversee elements including future capital raises, industry partnerships and IT.

“Michael shares Revol’s vision to build five facilities in five years. His

Naturipe Farms announced the promotions of three of its valued long-term employees. Jerry Moran, is now vice president of sales; Kasey Kelley has been promoted to senior director, business development; and Joe Klick has been promoted to director, product management (East).

In his new role, Moran will take on added responsibilities managing additional staff members, setting the strategic direction for sales and provide guidance, direction and leadership to the sales team. Moran has almost 19 years of experience in the industry and with this promotion, he will be joining the Naturipe Farms

United Natural Foods Inc. announced that Dorn Wenninger has been named its senior vice president of produce effective today. In this role, Wenninger will oversee the growth as well as enhance and execute the strategy and expansion of UNFI’s capabilities in produce. Wenninger will report to Paul Green, UNFI's president of Fresh.

"For UNFI and our retail customers, the produce department represents one of the most significant growth opportunity areas in the store,” said Green. “Dorn is an experienced, highly respected, and well-connected leader who will not only advance our growth strategy