Leadership Alumni Organization

Building on a decade of leadership excellence, the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Alumni Organization is an extension of the strength and dedication of the 160+ graduates of the Leadership Program. The Alumni Organization was developed as an opportunity for program graduates to continue their leadership journeys and give back to the produce community.

The Organization was founded on three core goals:

• To assist members in enhancing their professional development
• To provide service to the produce industry and United Fresh
• To raise awareness of and support for the United Produce Industry Leadership Program, the Alumni Organization, and United Fresh

To help implement these goals, the organization is led by a volunteer Board of Directors:

John Baillie, Chairman, Jack T. Baillie Co., Inc. (Class 6)
Sheri Mierau, Past Chairman, California Tree Fruit Agreement (Class 3)
Wes Liefer, Chairman-elect, Pura Vida Farms, LLC (Class 11)
Mitch Ardantz, Bonipak Produce Company (Class 12)
Jerry Butt, MIXTEC Group, (Class 9)
Chris Caratan, Columbine Vineyards (Class 7)
Fried De Schouwer, Greenhouse Produce Company, LLC (Class 8)
Andrew Schwartz, Rosemont Farms Corporation (Class 11)
Craig Slate, IFCO SYSTEMS, N.A. (Class 4)
Michelle Story, Taylor Farms, Inc. (Class 6)
Lisa Strube, Strube Celery & Vegetable Company (Class 12)
Rebecca Wilson, The Tom Lange Company, Inc. (Class 12)

Membership

All graduates of the United Fresh Leadership Program are eligible to join the Alumni Organization. A membership application is available here. Dues are $100, payable annually each calendar year.

Alumni Corner - News for Alumni Organization Members