During the Idaho Potato Commission’s October meeting three new commissioners representing the grower sector of the industry were sworn in: Ron Ambrose of Four Ace Farms in Wendell; Mark Darrington of Big D Farms in Declo; and Eric Jemmett of J&S Farms in Parma. Each serve a three-year term. Todd Cornelison of High Country Potatoes and Brett Jensen of Brett Jensen Farms were appointed chairman and vice chairman, respectively. “Growers are the backbone of the Idaho potato industry and I’m pleased to welcome Ron, Mark and Eric, all growers to the Idaho Potato Commission. With close to 100 years

Sev-Rend is pleased to announce the addition of James (JC) Nyssen as its new Pacific Northwest Sales Manager Bringing JC Nyssen on as the Pacific Northwest Sales Manager lines up with Sev-Rend’s goals to further service its clients in the produce industry with high-performance packaging. This move allows Sev-Rend to further support the ever-growing fresh produce industry. “JC brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Sev-Rend team that will allow us to grow in some key areas within the fresh produce packaging world” stated Rob Williams, chief executive officer of Sev-Rend. “His

Smith’s Farm, a leading East Coast grower-shipper of broccoli, cauliflower and potatoes marketed under the Stag brand, announced the hiring of Peter Hallowell as chief financial officer. Hallowell’s established career in finance and the ag industry makes him a perfect fit for the Smith family businesses. Hallowell, who grew up on a seed potato farm in northern Maine, has an MBA with a concentration in economics and finance from the University of Maine. He started his career in banking in the early 1990s and managed the Northern Maine Region for Farm Credit East, ACA for 23 years. He serves as

Just 21 years old and barely into college, Debbie Willmann started at Index Fresh Oct. 21, 1990, as an accounting temp with plans of pursuing a career as a CPA. Fast forward 30 years, and Willmann is now the director of sales and a key team member at Index Fresh, a leading California-based avocado company. From accounts payable to receivables to an office manager for the accounting department, and then onward to sales, Willmann learned the ropes every step of the way. “Selling produce was not on my radar when I started, even though it’s so big in California. I fell into the right place at the

As the new sales director at Mission Produce, Brooke Becker is responsible for managing outside purchases and utilization of product. Her responsibilities include analyzing volume trends that impact North American retail, wholesale, and foodservice businesses, and guiding domestic sales staff on price and market conditions. “Brooke is a strong sales professional and has become a leader at Mission,” said Stephen Fink, vice president of North American sales. “In her tenure, she has contributed to efforts that have resulted in the growth of retail and wholesale business. Brooke is dedicated to

Tim York was named as the new CEO of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement during its Oct. 29 board of directors meeting. York will replace Scott Horsfall, who is retiring in early 2021. York will begin his work with the LGMA Dec. 1. “Tim has been an influential presence when it comes to advancing continuous improvement in food safety in the produce industry,” said Dan Sutton, chair of the LGMA. “He is a staunch advocate for protecting consumers and public health and we are fortunate to have Tim to guide LGMA into this new era.” York was formerly the president of Markon Cooperative