HOUSTON, TX - Rich Dachman is again making waves in the produce industry with a recent move from his long-time position at Sysco, to the role of Chief Executive Officer at Brighter Bites. Dachman is set to bring a fresh mentality to the nonprofit organization and its mission to change behavior among children and families to achieve long-term health and prevent obesity.
“I have loved being a Brighter Bites board member, where I had the chance to work closely with the organization during a crucial phase of its growth. When Brighter Bites came to me with the idea of taking a leadership position, I thought it was a great opportunity to begin the next chapter of my career,” Dachman commented. “I look forward to assisting Brighter Bites expand the impact of a program that is increasing produce consumption by teaching families how to change their eating habits for improved health. In my new role, I will be able to continue working with my colleagues in the produce industry, but in a way that enriches underserved communities around the country. Who could ask for a better job?”
With more than 40 years of experience in the produce industry, 28 of which he spent at Sysco, the world’s largest broadline food distributor, Dachman brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Last month, he stepped down from his role as Vice President of Produce for Sysco before transitioning to his current role at Brighter Bites, where he had previously served on the Board of Directors for over three years.
Dachman began his produce career in his native home of Denver, where he worked for the family business. After the business sold, Dachman and his father opened a new foodservice operation for Kraft Foods in Denver, and soon after he joined Kraft’s corporate office in Chicago in 1987 as National Director of Produce, according to a press release.
He joined FreshPoint in 1992 and was President of FreshPoint Operating Companies in Atlanta, Houston, Denver, and the company’s central procurement office in Salinas, California. FreshPoint was acquired by Sysco in 2000, after which, Dachman was named Senior Vice President, Western Region. Later, in 2007, he was promoted to Vice President of Produce.
Dachman has a rich history in the industry, winning several awards including the Center for Growing Talent’s Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award, the Packer’s Foodservice Achievement Award, and Produce for Better Health’s Excellence Award. Additionally, he was Chairman of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) in 2012, rounding out more than 10 years of leadership service for PMA.
“Rich has been an integral part of our organization for so long, and we could not be more pleased to have someone with his passion leading the way,” said Brighter Bites Founder and Board Chair Lisa Helfman. “Rich’s guidance will take Brighter Bites to a new level of impact. The Brighter Bites staff will benefit from Rich's authentic leadership style and mentorship, and the communities they serve will benefit from Rich’s relationships in the produce industry.”
Congratulations to Rich and Brighter Bites from ANUK!
