<p><strong>Anaheim, CA</strong></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>At this year’s PMA, Mike O’Brien, Vice President of Produce and Floral with Schnucks Markets Inc., St. Louis, received PMA’s first-ever Robert L. Carey Leadership Award. From the many nominations, a team of four past PMA chairmen selected O’Brien in recognition of his outstanding leadership and an uncommon commitment to PMA and the produce industry.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>“The award is named in honor of Bob Carey, who led the association for 38 years until 1996. Carey’s leadership and vision allowed the organization to become strong and vibrant,” stated PMA President and CEO Bryan Silbermann. Silbermann joined past PMA Chairman Bill Schuler, president and CEO of The Castellini Companies, to present the award to O’Brien.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>“Like Bob Carey, Mike holds the mission of increasing consumption near and dear to his heart, as shown by his chairing the Produce for Better Health Foundation, an organization Bob helped create and nurture,” said Schuler in presenting the award.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Since 2004, O’Brien has served eight years on the PMA board, including as its chairman; he also served on the Retail Division Board and on numerous committees, including the Produce Electronic Identification Board and the Government Affairs Committee. He also served on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fruit & Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee and previously served as chairman of the Produce for Better Health Foundation.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>“I am deeply humbled by this honor. To be considered in the same league as Bob Carey is a genuine honor,” O’Brien said. “I’m grateful to those who have allowed me to serve the industry, especially those from my own company, who have graciously allowed me to channel my career into service back to the produce industry. I have worked alongside many devoted individuals who inspire me with their knowledge and great ideas.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.pmafoundation.com" target="_new"> PMA </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
