NOGALES, AZ - Matt Mandel is a friendly face for all of us here at AndNowUKnow. His contagious humor is surpassed only by his deep expertise, and we continue to turn to him for industry insights. The Vice President of Finance and Legal at SunFed was recently recognized industry-wide for these qualities, being named Member of the Year by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA).
“I’d like to dedicate this great honor to my peers at SunFed whose tireless work and flexibility have allowed me to dedicate time to working on behalf of the industry I love,” Mandel expressed. “I am humbled to walk in the shadows of giants and hope I can continue to contribute to making the FPAA stronger for future generations to come.”
Mandel has worked in the produce industry for 11 years and has served on the Arizona Governor’s Rural Business Development Advisory Council. He currently sits on the International Fresh Produce Association’s Grower/Shipper Council and the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County Board of Directors.
According to a press release, his continuous support and participation have managed to further the industry relationships with both state and national political representatives, as well as with FDA, USDA, Homeland Security and Commerce. Mandel has been key to advancing the interest of the produce industry.
“Matt sees trends, and he positions himself to contribute because he wants the best for his business, just like you want the best for your business,” President of the FPAA Lance Jungmeyer stated. “He figures, we’re all in this together, let’s roll up our sleeves.”
Furthermore, Mandel is a Past Chairman of the FPAA. Recently, he has been on the FPAA committee guiding the efforts of the Trade Fellowship/Trade Practicum with the Rogers College of Law at University of Arizona.
“Thinking about it, I would need more fingers to count the number of trips I have been with him to DC,” Jungmeyer continued. “He is a great communicator who knows FPAA issues through and through, and you can see it in meeting after meeting on the Hill, at FDA, CBP, USDA…you name it.”
For more of Mandel’s accomplishments and comments from FPAA members, read the press release here.
Congratulations to our friend, Matt Mandel!
