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 140+ graduates of the Leadership Program.

The Alumni Organization was developed in 2004 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:

Sheri Mierau, Chairman (Class 3) California Tree Fruit Agreement, Reedley, CA
John Baillie, Vice Chairman (Class 6) Jack T. Baillie Co., Inc., Spreckels, CA
Chris Puentes, Past Chairman (Class 9) Interfresh, Inc., Fullerton, CA
Mitch Ardantz (Class 12) Bonipak Produce Company, Santa Maria, CA
Jerry Butt (Class 9) MIXTEC Group, Pasadena, CA
Chris Caratan (Class 7) Columbine Vineyards, Delano, CA
Wes Liefer (Class 11) United Produce Sales, Brea, CA
Lee Anne Oxford (Class 2) L & M Companies, Raleigh, NC
Andrew Schwartz (Class 11) Rosemont Farms Corporation, Boca Raton, FL
Kori Tuggle (Class 9) Ocean Mist Farms, Castroville, CA
Becky Wilson (Class 12) The Tom Lange Company, Inc., Springfield, IL
Jon Zaninovich (Class 3) Jasmine Vineyards, Inc., Delano, CA

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