Brooke Rollins has been nominated to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If confirmed the Glen Rose, TX, native would serve as the 33rd U.S. secretary of agriculture.

Rollins currently serves as the president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute. She was formerly director of the Domestic Policy Council and assistant to the president for strategic initiatives in the White House under Donald Trump, where she also previously served as director of the Office of American Innovation. In these roles, Rollins developed and managed the transformational domestic policy agenda. 

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, announced the appointment of Thomas (Tommy) Padilla as vice president, avocados (international). He brings more than 14 years of experience in the produce industry, specializing in international and export sales. Padilla will report directly to Danny Dumas, senior vice president of sales, marketing and product management for North America.

"Tommy’s deep expertise in international markets and the avocado category

Naturipe Farms promoted Jim Roberts to president, effective immediately. The board of directors unanimously chose Roberts to lead during a time of expansion and strategic developments. Formerly serving as Naturipe’s president of sales, he brings over two decades of experience to the role.

Roberts is a proven business leader with an unmatched understanding of the industry. During his tenure with Naturipe Farms, he has been instrumental in driving sales, shaping sales and marketing strategies, and enhancing the company’s position as a leader in the fresh produce industry.

Doug Stalbaum has been promoted to vice president of finance for Publix, effective Jan. 1.  

Stalbaum, 45, joined the company in 2019 as director of business analysis and reporting, and was promoted to his current role, vice president and controller, in 2022. Prior to joining Publix, he was a senior audit manager at an accounting firm for eight years, senior director and controller at a restaurant chain for six years and director of finance at a furniture retailer for three years.

Stalbaum currently oversees the financial reporting process and the financial support of technology, pharmacy

Patrick Criteser is joining Nature Fresh Farms' executive team as CEO to lead its rapid expansion.   

Over the last 25 years, Nature Fresh Farms has grown from a single, 18-acre greenhouse into an international produce leader known for sustainability, innovation and premium quality. The family-owned company delivers flavorful tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and berries year-round from farm to table. It uses the most advanced, vertically integrated greenhouse technology to produce high-flavor, exclusive varieties — such as its award-winning, vine-ripened Hiiros tomatoes — that are better for

Equifruit, Canada’s leading Fairtrade certified banana company, announced its president, Jennie Coleman, has been recognized as one of Canada’s Most Admired CEOs for 2024 by Waterstone Human Capital.

“These awards recognize the very best in corporate culture – those leaders and organizations that have built and nurtured performance-driven cultures and that are at the forefront of culture best practices,” said Marty Parker, president and CEO of Waterstone Human Capital and chair of the Canada’s Most Admired program. “This year’s winners actively craft high-performance cultures and serve as an