CMI Orchards is sponsoring Sarah Barkley, a dynamic member of its sales team and a passionate CrossFit coach and athlete. Barkley, who manages key sales accounts at CMI Orchards, is setting her sights on qualifying for the 2025 CrossFit Games.

Barkley’s athletic journey testifies to her dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. After competing in the 2024 CrossFit Games, she now embarks on her 2025 campaign with goals to:

• Qualify for the 2025 CrossFit Games
• Launch her campaign with the CrossFit Open (Feb. 27–March 17)
• Advance to the Semifinals (April 3-6), where the top 2 percent

JOH, a leading independent food broker based in Billerica, MA, hired Dena Telschow as account manager for the produce and fresh division in the north central region.

Telschow brings 16 years of food industry experience to JOH. Early in her career, she served as a department manager at Spartan Nash, where she oversaw advertising and promotional activities, planned major company events (including expos) and developed strategies to drive sales growth.

More recently, she excelled as a customer development manager at a national sales and marketing agency.

“We are happy to have Dena on board with

Phillips Mushroom Farms, a leading grower-packer-shipper of fresh mushrooms based in Kennett Square, PA, announced the appointment of Larissa Rice as its new national sales manager.

With more than 30 years of experience in fresh produce sales and marketing and a proven track record of driving revenue growth and fostering strong relationships, Rice is poised to bring valuable expertise and insight to this pivotal role. In the new position, she will oversee Phillips' nationwide sales strategy, focusing on enhancing customer relationships, expanding market presence, and leading the sales team to

Sakata Seed America Inc. announced a strategic executive leadership transition, effective April 1.

After more than 15 years of dedicated service as president and chief executive officer of Sakata Seed America Inc., Dave Armstrong will step into the role of executive chairman, where he will continue to provide strategic oversight and guidance for the business. Eduardo (Ed) Flores will assume the position of president and CEO, taking over operational responsibility and leading Sakata Seed America into its next phase of growth.

Flores joined Sakata Seed America in 2021 as chief operating

Patrick Ferini, a second-generation owner and a cornerstone of Bonipak Produce, died Jan. 29 at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication and genuine care for all those whose lives he touched.

Son of Milo Ferini, Bonipak Produce’s co-founder, Patrick Ferini established Betteravia Farms in 1962 along with Henri Ardantz and Milo Ferini, and became a pivotal figure in shaping the company’s direction and values. Over more than 60 years of service, he was not only a visionary leader but also a mentor, friend and inspiration to employees, partners and

Pacific Trellis Fruit has named Shelby Obert its new marketing manager. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having spent the past five years in the fresh produce industry. Most recently, Obert served as senior marketing manager at a prominent fresh produce consulting agency, where she led impactful brand campaigns and managed direct customer and consumer strategies for clients throughout the produce value chain.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shelby to the Pacific Trellis Fruit team,” said Howard Nager, director of marketing and business development at Pacific Trellis