Jeff Kammermeyer will join Apeel Sciences as vice president of commercial operations. With over 20 years of experience across sales, marketing, strategy and operations, Kammermeyer will oversee Apeel’s sales and sales operation teams.

Kammermeyer’s extensive background spans global crop and animal health organizations, where he has led teams through initiatives focused on product development and operational sustainability. The company said his unique experience, from high-level strategic planning to hands-on leadership development, will be invaluable as Apeel continues its rapid growth and

Jeff Desroches, BJ’s Wholesale Club executive vice president, chief operations officer, has resigned from his position. Scott Schmadeke, senior vice president, field and fresh operations, has been named his successor, effective immediately. Additionally, Krystyna Kostka, currently senior vice president, operations, has been named chief supply chain officer.

Schmadeke will have responsibility for all BJ’s clubs, distribution centers, logistics and asset protection and safety. He will report to Bob Eddy, chairman and CEO, and will serve on the company’s executive leadership team.

Kostka will

Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers announced the appointment of Daniel Terlizzese as the new research, innovation and plant protection lead. Terlizzese brings a wealth of experience and expertise in greenhouse crop management, plant physiology and innovative agricultural practices.

Terlizzese holds a master's degree in environmental science from the University of Guelph, where he conducted significant research on the light environment within greenhouse vegetable crops and the effects of supplemental light photoperiod on greenhouse eggplant. His academic background is complemented by a

Misionero, a leader in organic and conventional packaged salad greens, added Brandi Smith as its corporate controller. With over two decades of experience in accounting, finance and business management, Smith brings a wealth of expertise in supporting complex agricultural organizations and driving financial insights that fuel business growth and innovation.

Smith joins Misionero from The Morning Star Co., where she held the role of enterprise ag controller. In that role, she oversaw the accounting and finance functions for the ag supply chain of one of the world’s largest tomato-processing

Kwik Lok Corp., headquartered in Yakima, WA, has announced plans to transition the CEO role. Don Carrell, who assumed leadership in February 2019 from his role as chief operating officer, will be leaving the company. Eric Hill of Graphic Packaging International will assume the position as of Nov. 25. 

During his five-year tenure as CEO, Carrell made invaluable contributions to the company's culture, growth and success. His emphasis on innovation and growth helped Kwik Lok launch its first sustainable product, Eco-Lok, utilizing bio resin made from renewably sourced starch, in 2018. Under his

Donald (Don) John Valpredo, a lifelong champion of agriculture, businessman, founder and impetus behind Bako Sweet’s entry into the sweet potato business, died Oct. 31, while on vacation overseas. Mr. Valpredo was 85.

Affectionately referred to as any of, “El Don”, “The Chairman,” and “The Boss,” Mr. Valpredo’s entrepreneurial spirit broke the mold of his father, John Valpredo, who himself was an innovative farmer. John Valpredo was one of the original farmers in the southernmost region of Kern County after his family relocated to the Mettler area from Saugus, CA. He is remembered as a