WASHINGTON, D.C. – The search is on for the next class of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program, and the association is gearing up to welcome fresh faces to its prestigious list of more than 250 fellows. Would you like to model your career after alums like Leslie Simmons, Anthony Gallino, Brianna Shales, and Phil Gruska? The application period for Class 25 is now open!
“With immersion into many facets of the business of produce, our Produce Industry Leadership Program fellows gain a holistic experience unique to the industry,” explained Tom Stenzel, President & CEO. “Fellows graduate with the skills they need to navigate our ever-evolving industry’s demands.”
In a press release, United Fresh touted its status as the only ongoing, fully paid leadership program for the produce industry. Fellows are selected to participate in the program each year, and over the course of the year-long program, fellows will navigate four customized trips designed to reach four fundamental goals: leadership development; business relationships; government and public affairs; and media and public communications. The fellows of Class 25 will be named at United Fresh 2019 Convention & Expo, June 10-12 in Chicago, Illinois.
“The relationships the class develops through this year-long program are priceless,” said Amanda Griffin, Senior Director of Education & Member Programs. “Each year, I enjoy the experience of witnessing the fellows grow professionally, and celebrating their hard work through each of our four trips.”
This year, the class will consist of 12-15 fellows from a broad cross-section of the industry that has been selected by an advisory committee. To be eligible for the program, participants must:
- Be a representative of a United Fresh member company
- Have the support of their companies
- Be the only applicant submitted by a member company
Participation in the leadership program is cost-free. Those interested in applying to be a part of the 25th class can download an application—which must be submitted by March 29, 2019—at www.unitedfresh.org.
