United Fresh Produce Association has announced the slate of new officers and directors nominated to serve on its board of directors, effective from 22 April. Ron Carkoski, president and CEO of the Four Seasons family of companies becomes chairman, replacing outgoing chair David Krause of Paramount Citrus. Carkoski currently serves as chairman-elect of the board and was has been on the United Fresh board since 2003.
Brian Kocher, senior vice president and COO of Chiquita, has been nominated chairman-elect. He joined the multinational in 2005 and has held a number of senior positions including CFO and president, North America. Kocher will assume the chairmanship of United Fresh in 2015.
Meanwhile, Lorri Koster, chairman and CEO of Mann Packing Company, will continue to serve in an ongoing term as secretary-treasurer.Current United chairman of the board Ron Midyett of Apio will remain on the Board and the Executive Committee.
The following industry leaders have been nominated to serve as new members of the United Fresh Board for a two-year term beginning April 2014: Mark Campion of Taylor Farms Retail; Rudi Groppe of Heinzen Manufacturing; Steve Jarzombek of Roundy’s Supermarket; Carissa Mace of Fresh Produce & Floral Council; Paul Mastronardi of Mastronardi Produce; Bob Meek of Wade Farms Marketing Group; Mike Orf of Hy-Vee; Susan Reimer-Sifford of Darden Restaurants and Mario Steta of Driscoll’s.
Jim Lemke of CH Robinson has been nominated as the chairman of the United Fresh Foundation, which holds an ex-officio position on the United board.
