"Steve is a respected leader in the produce industry and a valued voice on produce issues. We’re proud to welcome him to the United Fresh Board," said Chairman Griffin. "Our association and the produce industry as a whole will benefit greatly from his ideas and his leadership."

            Burnham joined Safeway in 1989 and worked his way through the company’s meat unit at the store, district, division and national levels, eventually being appointed group director for the company’s corporate meat business unit in 2003. In 2007, he left the meat and seafood world and was appointed vice president of marketing planning. Burnham was promoted to vice president of produce in 2008, and senior vice president of produce earlier this year. Burnham and wife Laura have three sons and live in Livermore, Calif.

            "United Fresh works hard to create an environment in which the entire produce industry, from grower to retailer, can succeed together. I am both honored and excited about this new opportunity to serve United Fresh and the entire produce industry," said Burnham.

            A full list of United Fresh board members is available at www.unitedfresh.org/about/leadership.