NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - With 2022 more than halfway over, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is getting ready for next year as it has announced the slate of new directors for its 2023 Board of Directors. Soon, the volunteer leaders will be confirmed by a ballot shared with the association’s members and their term will begin at the end of October.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead and collaborate with this Board of Directors,” said Laura Himes, Senior Merchandising Director at Walmart and 2023 Chair-elect who will be taking over for Bruce Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Taylor Farms. “It is an incredibly diverse group representing ideas from around the globe and will build on the successes of IFPA’s inaugural year in fulfilling our mission, vision, and delivering on our seven strategic commitments.”

Himes will take the stage with Taylor at the Global Produce & Floral Show in October to share their remarks, a release stated. The next Chair-Elect, slotted to assume leadership of the Executive Committee will be John Anderson, CEO and Managing Partner of Oppy.

IFPA’s new slate of Board directors is selected to serve in positions from which current directors are retiring. The Leadership Development Committee is tasked with identifying these leaders and is headed by past Chairs Dwight Ferguson, President and CEO of California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, and Danny Dumas, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Calavo Grown.

“It’s been an honor serving this industry as a part of the Leadership Development Committee,” said Dumas. “The role of the Board is to provide the insights and perspectives that will drive the association forward and create solutions that give our members more access to the people and ideas that can make a difference in their business. I’m confident this Board slate of leaders will do just that as it leads an already strong and engaged volunteer community.”

With over 1,000 volunteer leaders serving across multiple committees, councils, and other working groups, the Board of Directors is key to driving forward the association's seven priorities. Before IFPA was launched in January 2022, the organization announced that its Board structure was designed to support all segments of industry members throughout the global supply chain.

“In identifying the volunteers who would join the Board in the coming year, we aligned the association’s strategic needs with thought leaders who will bring a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds, to ensure the Board is reflective of the industry we represent,” commented Ferguson. “We know these leaders will work in partnership with those Directors continuing their Board service and with the staff to grow prosperity for our industry and the world through bold advocacy, powerful connections, and actionable guidance.”

To see the 2023 slate of new directors and those retiring, click here.

Congratulations to all of those selected to join the IFPA Board of Directors!

International Fresh Produce Association