Just 21 years old and barely into college, Debbie Willmann started at Index Fresh Oct. 21, 1990, as an accounting temp with plans of pursuing a career as a CPA. Fast forward 30 years, and Willmann is now the director of sales and a key team member at Index Fresh, a leading California-based avocado company.

From accounts payable to receivables to an office manager for the accounting department, and then onward to sales, Willmann learned the ropes every step of the way. “Selling produce was not on my radar when I started, even though it’s so big in California. I fell into the right place at the

As the new sales director at Mission Produce, Brooke Becker is responsible for managing outside purchases and utilization of product. Her responsibilities include analyzing volume trends that impact North American retail, wholesale, and foodservice businesses, and guiding domestic sales staff on price and market conditions.

“Brooke is a strong sales professional and has become a leader at Mission,” said Stephen Fink, vice president of North American sales. “In her tenure, she has contributed to efforts that have resulted in the growth of retail and wholesale business. Brooke is dedicated to

Tim York was named as the new CEO of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement during its Oct. 29 board of directors meeting. York will replace Scott Horsfall, who is retiring in early 2021. York will begin his work with the LGMA Dec. 1.

“Tim has been an influential presence when it comes to advancing continuous improvement in  food safety in the produce industry,” said Dan Sutton, chair of the LGMA. “He is a staunch advocate for protecting consumers and public health and we are fortunate to have Tim to guide LGMA into this new era.”

York was formerly the president of Markon

Generation Farms has added produce industry veteran Mike Harris to their expanding sales team. Harris recently joined the leading grower-shipper of organic and conventional onions, watermelon, and other fresh fruits and vegetables as watermelon sales director.

With a produce career spanning over three decades, Harris learned the business from the ground up. His first job was in the fields pitching watermelons at the age of 14, and over the years, he has worked every aspect of the business, from growing and business operations, to sales.

"I’m excited for the opportunity to bring my experience

Farm Fresh Produce Inc. recently welcomed a new member to the team, Davy van Ewijck. Based in the Netherlands, Davy will act as junior commercial manager, assisting Farm Fresh with sales.

An entrepreneurship major from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Davy has gained experience across several industries. While working at Dakafresh International, Davy discovered his passion for the fresh produce industry. Davy assisted in the implementation of new IT procedures and gained experience in purchase and sales administration, HR and system management while there.

Away from work, Davy

Center for Growing Talent has announced that Leonard Batti, vice president at Taylor Farms, will serve as the chair of the organization’s board of directors for 2021. Batti stepped into the role during CGT’s first board meeting on Oct. 22. During this time, CGT also welcomed nine new industry members to the CGT board of directors, growing the overall board by three volunteers. In this role, Batti will also serve on the PMA board of directors and the executive committee.
 
The CGT board of directors is a collective of industry leaders who volunteer to contribute their time, insights and