WASHINGTON, DC & NEWARK, DE - New future leaders have been introduced to the industry as the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced the incoming Leadership Program, Class 28.
“I’m proud of our graduates and the hard work they put into their experience this year,” said Nikki Wootten, Program Lead and IFPA Education and Program Manager, Talent. “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 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 and hands-on training with top industry experts and educators, all while attending several of IFPA’s signature and industry events.
IFPA’s Leadership 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.
As noted in the release, the program is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Corteva Agriscience™. The incoming 2023 leaders include:
- Maria Fernanda Abilgaard, Regulatory Affairs Manager, AgroFresh
- Himanshu Arora, Head of APAC South, Zespri International
- Erendira Lara Borja, CoManufacture Director, NatureSweet
- Eric Frasse, Vice President of Sales, I Love Produce
- Violeta Mendoza Gomez, Director of Food Safety & Quality, Caruso
- Brendan Haslam, Senior Category Manager, Bolthouse Farms
- Lucas Rosello Hinrichs, Grower Relations and Business Development Manager, Alpine Fresh
- 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
- Liam Slavin, Regional Business Manager - Northeast, Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers
Cheers to these leaders and their endeavors!
