WASHINGTON, DC - The produce world is mourning the loss of a long-time industry advocate. Duane Eaton, a longstanding senior staff executive who led the Meetings and Tradeshows team at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), recently passed away, leaving behind a distinguished industry legacy.
“Duane was a foundational part of PMA, serving under CEOs Bob Carey and Bryan Silbermann. As PMA’s 12th employee, Duane saw the organization through an incredible period of growth and transformation,” said Cathy Burns, Chief Executive Officer of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), as PMA is now known. “While we still see echoes of his work in today’s IFPA programs, not all his energy was member-facing. He played an integral role in helping shape organizational culture and led efforts to continually invest time and resources to develop staff talent.”
Eaton retired from PMA in 2014 following 34 years of service to the fresh produce industry. Throughout his career, he occupied a variety of roles, In addition to leading the annual convention and trade show group at PMA. At varying times, he also oversaw event strategy and logistics, housing and registration, marketing and public relations, education, the PMA Retail and Floral divisions, and later human resources, financial services, and information technology, a release stated.
As the International Fresh Produce Association shared, Eaton is remembered by colleagues for his leadership in growing the association’s programs and expositions, his unwavering dedication to his team, and his trademark sense of humor.
“Duane began his career developing PMA’s early education programs, some of which grew into PMA’s Foundation for Industry Talent,” retired PMA CEO Bryan Silbermann noted. “He also was the one who first grappled with standardized codes for produce before turning that task over to me in the 1980s. Through it all, he’s been the champion of mixing work with enjoyment and caring, with a wit that was equal parts irreverent and insightful.”
During farewell comments made to the PMA Board and past Chairs, Eaton once said, “I am proud to have been able to serve on the staff of such a great organization, representing such a wonderful industry, for such a long time. In those 34 years, I have had four bosses and three were great. Since this is World Series time, I guess a .750 batting average is pretty good.”
Eaton is survived by his wife Antoinette Eaton and daughters Mandy Eaton and Katie Shaffer (husband Mike). He will be sorely missed by many IFPA staff and volunteers who had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside him to make the global fresh produce and floral community better.
Family and friends were invited to pay their respects at the Doherty Funeral Home on July 13 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. In place of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware or Ulster Project Delaware.
Our thoughts are with all whose lives were touched by this indelible industry leader.
