Industry observers and some of those involved in the previous merger discussions attributed the 2012 failure to a disagreement over who should lead the merged organization.
But the vying for power that often occurs when two organizations combine was overcome and did not scuttle the most recent attempt, which led to the International Fresh Produce Association BB #:378962.
In fact, industry experts who are happy with the merger credit sound leadership for its successes so far.
Cathy Burns, CEO of PMA, and Tom Stenzel, CEO of United Fresh, served as co-CEOs of the new organization for three months. Initially the plan had been for the co-CEOs to remain in place through 2022, but in March 2022 a year after the initial merger announcement, Burns became the sole CEO.
Stenzel served as a consultant for another three months before leaving the organization in June to form his own Washington, DC-based consulting firm, Stenzel Group, LLC.
For his part, Stenzel, who led United Fresh for nearly 30 years, considers the merger a success.
“The combination of United Fresh and PMA was a long time in coming, but it has truly served the fresh produce industry by creating one leading global association,” he comments.
“Today’s IFPA can have a singular focus on adding value to member companies and the industry overall,” he continues.
“As I look at IFPA today, it’s clear the team is building upon the best of both heritage associations. The IFPA is continuing to be a major voice on public policy, while also driving marketplace success for members across the entire supply chain.
“Leadership development continues to be a cornerstone of the new association, with overall education programs expanding.
“Finally, IFPA is committed to growing produce consumption around the world, creating a healthier future for consumers, the planet, and the industry overall—that’s a legacy I will always be proud of,” Stenzel concludes.
Kenny Lund, executive vice president of Allen Lund Company, LLC BB #:107465 in La Canada, CA, who was on the board at United Fresh during the time of the last attempted merger, agrees. “The changes have been very good so far; it’s gone much better than I thought it would.
“Cathy and Tom showed great leadership in setting up the new organization,” Lund adds, pointing out Stenzel’s generosity in leaving the organization soon after the transition to ensure a single person would lead the combined entity.
“I have tremendous respect for him, and I think he doesn’t get enough credit for what he’s done.”
Lund also likes what he sees in Burns’ current leadership.
“Cathy is a tremendous listener and has tremendous energy,” he says. “She’s smoothed out the rough edges of joining two long-time organizations.”
This is an excerpt from the cover story in the September/October 2023 issue of Produce Blueprints Magazine. Click here to read the whole issue.
