November 2, 2023 Washington, D.C. and Newark, De. – International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) BB #:378962 has announced the incoming class for their prestigious Leadership Program during the graduation of the outgoing fellows of class 27.
The program, now in its 28th year, is a year-long leadership journey where participants develop essential leadership and business skills through a series of customized trips.
These trips are packed with face-to-face meetings, hands on training with top industry experts and educators all while attending several of IFPA’s signature and industry events. The program is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Corteva Agriscience.
“I’m proud of our graduates and the hard work they put into their experience this year,” said program lead, Nikki Wootten of IFPA. “The Leadership Program is such a unique experience for professionals in the industry to not only have an immersive program that builds on skills over the course of a year, but also welcomes the participants into an incredible alumni group that they can connect with and lean into for the rest of their careers.”
The program is competitive, with only 12 spots available to high potential, mid-level produce and floral industry professionals. Leaders will develop around four fundamental goals including leadership development, business relationships, government and public affairs, and media and public communications.
IFPA congratulates all of the incoming 2023 Leadership Program, Class 28:
- Maria Fernanda Abilgaard, Regulatory Affairs Manager, AgroFresh
- Himanshu Arora, Head of APAC South, Zespri International Ltd.
- Erendira Lara Borja, CoManufacture Director, NatureSweet
- Eric Frasse, Vice President of Sales, I Love Produce, LLC
- Violeta Mendoza Gomez, Director of Food Safety & Quality, Caruso Inc.
- Brendan Haslam, Senior Category Manager, Bolthouse Farms
- Lucas Rosello Hinrichs, Grower Relations & Business Development Manager, Alpine Fresh, Inc.
- Hollie Johnson, Commercial Director, Offshoot Brands
- Beth Keeton, CEO, Elephant House PR
- Matt Klare, Sales, The Horton Fruit Company
- Greg Palmer, Procurement Director – Produce, Loblaw Companies, Limited
- Liam Slavin Regional Business Manager – Northeast, Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers
About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)?is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our member’s prosperity by conducting advocacy; connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to?take action?with purpose and confidence.
Contact: Ashley Sempowski, ASempowski@freshproduce.com +1 (202) 303-3406
