Index Fresh, a California-based global avocado marketer, recently announced John Dmytriw as its vice president of business development. Dmytriw previously held the position of senior business specialist and has been with the company since 2008.

“John’s 20 years in the global avocado industry have primed him to manage Index’s existing relationships and to provide leadership in expanding our account base,” said Todd Elder, vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re excited to have John in a position to further develop new partnerships across the globe.”

Dmytriw’s new responsibilities focus

The Southeast Produce Council announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, that Kristin Yerecic Scott, marketing director and Board of Officers member at Yerecic Label, is the recipient of the council's Next Generation Award for 2020.

The announcement was made via the SEPC Virtual Garden.

David Sherrod, president and chief executive officer of the council, and Harold Paivarinta of Red Sun Farms and SEPC chairman of the board, began the presentation by recapping all of the nominees. Then following tradition, last year's Next Generation Award recipient, Andrew Hare of Vertical Roots, announced Kristin

Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the United States, is pleased to announce the hiring of Jesse Lopez as commodity account manager. In this role, Lopez will work closely with Joe Angelo and the rest of the sales team, as well as current commodity, field, and harvest managers.

“We are glad to have someone of Jesse’s caliber join our team,” said Joe Angelo, director of sales at Ocean Mist Farms. “With his veteran experience, he will add immediate strength and value to our team.”

Lopez will handle key retail and wholesale accounts and work with promotion

Gerald L. Harp, former president of Harps Food Stores, died Oct. 16. The son of Harvard and Floy Harp, founders of Harps Food Stores, was 80.

Mr. Harp worked for the family business, Harp’s Food Stores, for 45 years. He served the last seven years as the president of the company and was instrumental in selling the 70-year-old company to the employees in 2001. He gave 10 percent of his share of the sale to long-term employees of the company. Harp’s Food Stores operated on the belief that if associates and customers were served, that the company would be successful.

Mr. Harp graduated from

Andy Hamilton will serve as Markon Cooperative's next CEO effective immediately. Hamilton comes from a strong background steeped in foodservice, sales, partnership relations, and operations management, and will focus on continuing to drive growth for the cooperative through brand leadership, culinary innovation, and 5-Star Food Safety.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead Markon and continue the legacy of excellence in the produce industry,” said Hamilton. “I’m excited to work with such an exceptional team of associates, as well as strong grower-shippers serving a thriving membership

Produce Marketing Association Vice President Nancy Tucker announced her retirement at the Fresh Summit 2020 Global Community Reception. Tucker, who has had a storied career in produce, has been a fixture of PMA’s global work since the early 1990s.  Industry veterans were on hand to celebrate her impact and wish her well during the Global Community Reception on Oct. 13.  Tucker will officially step away from her role Dec. 31, 2020.

Tucker joined PMA in 1980 having previously worked for ARA (now Aramark). Although she has been instrumental in PMA’s global impact and engagement, Tucker’s service