MISSION, TX - Not one, not two, but three new Members have been named to the Texas International Produce Association’s (TIPA) Board of Directors. Each of the leaders brings a unique perspective in the fresh produce industry as the association looks to continue strengthening its prowess.
“TIPA is excited to welcome our newest Directors,” said Dante Galeazzi, President and Chief Executive Officer, in a statement to ANUK. “Each brings different experiences and a unique perspective from the industry to the TIPA Board. We want leaders that will not only contribute, but will guide TIPA and our membership through the challenges ahead. Personally, I cannot wait to see what Anna, Cory, and Travis will bring to our board and see how they will help shape the association in the years to come.”
Travis Catalani, Sales Director at B. Catalani, is one of the leaders named in this recent appointment.
“I have known since I was 12 years old that this is what I wanted to do. I am passionate about the industry and honored to be able to serve in this role for TIPA,” Catalani said in a release from TIPA, noting how he has dedicated a lifetime of service to this industry.
He gained experience in the produce industry early in life by working with the family company, and has officially been with B. Catalani for 14 years.
Vice President of Produce at H-E-B Anna Lopez also entered a new role with the association. She has been with H-E-B for 28 years, beginning in store operations in the Gulf Coast. She has held various roles such as Regional Operations, Corporate Merchandising and Marketing, Quality Assurance, Business Development Manager, and Business Unit Director for Procurement.
Also appointed to the Board of Directors was Cory Oliver, Senior Category Director of Wonderful Citrus.
According to TIPA’s release, Oliver spent over 25 years in retail before moving to the supply-side. He held Director-level positions within Albertsons, Ahold Delhaize, H-E-B, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Kroger, with a particular focus in Texas.
For the past five years, he has worked with Texas-based shippers handling a variety of commodities and roles. As we reported in March, he represented TIPA at the Gulfoods event in Dubai, UEA.
On a final note, TIPA expressed gratitude for former Members Courtney Schuster Moore of Rio Fresh, April Flowers of Lone Star Citrus Growers, and Will Steele of Frontera Produce.
Congratulations to these leaders as they take their next steps!
