Beginning March 1, Rob Neenan will guide the recently-formed Center for Global Produce Sustainability as vice president of environmental affairs and sustainability at United Fresh. Joining United Fresh from the California League of Food Processors in Sacramento where he served as vice president of government affairs, Neenan will be based out of United's Washington, D.C. headquarters.

"Rob will be an excellent leader to help develop and grow our Foundation's new Center for Global Produce Sustainability, which was established last year through a founding grant from Bayer CropScience," said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. "Rob shares our vision of sustainability as a tool to help growers and the entire produce supply chain reduce costs and increase efficiencies. Sustainability is most often defined as the intersection of environmental responsibility, social acceptability and economic viability. As companies work to reduce energy use, ensure wise use of natural resources such as water, increase recycling and reuse of materials, and ensure a positive and equitable workplace and community, they're also working to make their companies more economically sustainable."

Neenan brings a wide range experience to United Fresh, including previous service as director of trade services at the California Grape and Tree Fruit League in Fresno and as an economist with USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service in Washington. He holds a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University, as well as a master's degree in Agricultural Business from California State University, Fresno.

Neenan will help lead the association's first Global Conference on Produce Sustainability on April 23, immediately following United Fresh 2010, April 20-22 in Las Vegas.  For more information about the Global Conference or United Fresh 2010, please visit www.unitedfresh2010.org.