"I am honored by the appointment and look forward to the challenges and opportunities presented by my new post," said Quarles. "I feel that my involvement with the Agribusiness Club will bring a great deal of perspective and value to my role at United Fresh."

An organization formed from the merging of The Commodity Club and the Food Group, the Agribusiness Club brings together specialty crops, traditional program crops, livestock interests and food processors to interact with policymakers in Washington. The Club also serves as the leading professional development and networking organization for agriculture leaders and professionals in the nation’s capital.

"The Agribusiness Club presents a rare opportunity for each of our sectors to interact on an informal basis with our colleagues and public officials.  It provides a forum for developing relationships necessary to navigate the complicated networks of federal policymaking," said Quarles.

Incoming officers for 2009 include Quarles, Reece Langley of the USA Rice Federation and Ryan Weston of the American Sugarcane League.  Quarles replaces former United Fresh staffer Keira Franz of the National Association of Conservation Districts.