Cathy Burns, currently co-CEO of the new International Fresh Produce Association formed by the combination of United Fresh Produce Association (UFPA) and the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), will become its singular CEO effective March 31. Tom Stenzel, currently co-CEO and past president of United Fresh, will move into a consulting role, working closely with Burns through June 2022.
“When I first joined PMA, I spent time with Tom exploring opportunities for our then-respective associations to collaborate and bring greater value to our industry. I saw his passion about the potential our community has in addressing the world’s biggest challenges, and this was confirmed over the past 18 months as we partnered with volunteers to bring PMA and United Fresh together officially,” said Burns. “Tom is a highly skilled and impactful executive who has spent almost three decades serving the fresh produce industry and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. Serving IFPA with him has been a true partnership and I look forward to continued collaboration as he has agreed to stay on as an advisor and counsel to the IFPA team through the end of June.”
Left to right: Cathy Burns, Tom Stenzel.
March 31 will mark a year since the two former Boards of Directors announced the merger plan to bring UFPA and PMA together on January 1, 2022.
“I’m pleased to begin this consulting role to assist Cathy and IFPA, and will do everything I can to support our future success. At the same time, I’m excited to begin a new career phase helping additional clients in our industry drive their own success,” Stenzel said. “Bringing together UFPA and PMA to better serve our industry has been a long-time goal and is a legacy that makes me very proud.”
During the next several months, Burns and Stenzel will work together to make the most effective transition, reaching out to stakeholders in government, the media and global partners in and outside of the produce and floral industries.
“It was just under a year ago we shared our plan to bring together PMA and United Fresh to create a new association,” said Bruce Taylor, CEO of Taylor Farms and chair of the IFPA Board of Directors. “Tom’s leadership during this time of transition, in addition to his decades long legacy in produce, has positioned our industry and IFPA to create a vibrant future.”
Danny Dumas, president at Courchesne Larose USA Inc. and past chair of United Fresh was elected to his role in May of 2021. “Tom has created a vital community that serves as a solid foundation for IFPA,” said Dumas. “I’m grateful for his dedication to elevating the industry voice in Washington and beyond. I wish him the best as he transitions to serve the industry in new capacities. “
For more information:
Siobhan May
International Fresh Produce Association
Tel: +1 (302) 781-5855
SMay@freshproduce.com
www.freshproduce.com