Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has named Mark Gagnon vice president of sales – South region to accelerate growth across the Southern United States.

Gagnon, who rejoined Fresh Del Monte effective June 2, will oversee commercial strategy and customer engagement across the region. He reports directly to Danny Dumas, senior vice president of sales, product management and marketing for North America.

With more than 30 years of senior-level experience in sales strategy, business development and customer management, Gagnon has held leadership roles at Dole, Chiquita, Chobani, Kalera and Seald Sweet

Joel Nelsen, who spent almost the entirety of his produce career as an association executive, including 37 years with California Citrus Mutual, died of an apparent heart attack at the age of 78.

Mr. Nelsen was born in San Diego on Sept. 27, 1946, and died on July 1, 2025, while traveling to pick up his 12-year-old grandson for an extended California stay.

Mr. Nelsen was introduced to the produce industry by his father, Wally Nelsen, who was a longtime produce executive with the Lucky Stores supermarket chain in Southern California.

Joel Nelsen started working as a produce clerk for Lucky

The California Fresh Fruit Association has hired Clayton Smith to serve as its new director of government relations. He comes to the association after serving as a legislative assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“On behalf of CFFA’s leadership, we are thrilled to welcome Clayton to the Association," said CFFA Board Chairwoman Melissa Frank of the Wonderful Company. "His experience working in Washington, DC, along with his background and education will be of great value to our membership.”

“I am delighted to welcome Clayton to the CFFA team," said Daniel Hartwig, association

Seven new members have been elected to Equitable Food Initiative's board of directors. These individuals bring a broad range of expertise in agriculture, sustainability, ethical sourcing, labor rights and consumer engagement.

Newly appointed board members are:

• Kim Combs, supplier risk and compliance manager at The Kroger Co.
• Alexandra Hill, assistant professor of cooperative extension at University of California, Berkeley
• Joe Martinez, co-founder and CEO at Cierto
• Gonzalo Martinez de Vedia, labor rights advocate
• Matt Rogers, general manager and co-founder at AgSocio
• Lori Taylor

Longtime California agricultural leader Don Smith, who remained active in the industry and in his farming operation until the end, died on July 3 at the age of 95.

“He worked his entire life,” said his son and business partner Stephen Smith. “He was very involved in every aspect of the company (Turlock Fruit Co.) until the day he died.  In fact, he was out walking the fields and checking the crops just a week ago.  He was involved in picking and packing and was also active on the sales end. With some customers he worked with five generations of buyers — especially the wholesalers.”

Donald J

Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet has named Andrea Montagna co-CEO. The company said the introduction of the co-CEO structure is part of a thoughtful, long-term succession plan designed to build on Seald Sweet’s rich heritage while accelerating growth and innovation across the United States.

Montagna will serve alongside current CEO Mayda Sotomayor, combining their expertise to further strengthen the company’s position as a trusted leader in fresh produce.

“I’m honored to join Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet at such a pivotal time, and to partner with Mayda and the entire team in this next chapter of