Natalia Gamarra joined the Produce Marketing Association Aug. 3 as the new global business development manager. Gamarra holds eight years of international business experience and possesses proficiency in several languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. Her knowledge and impressive background will be essential to her new role at PMA, a global fresh produce and floral association with members from more than 45 countries.Natalia Gamarra

As the global business development manager, Gamarra will work with PMA’s membership from various countries, including Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Mexico, New, Zealand, Peru and South Africa to support the development of key research and discover emerging trends in the fresh produce industry.

“As a native Spanish speaker, born and raised in Argentina, who possesses a forcible multilingual ability, she brings necessary global insight and language expertise to PMA," Nancy Tucker, vice president of global business development, said in a press release. “She will help PMA deliver insights and trends, networking and year-round value to members around the world.”

Before accepting the position at PMA, Gamarra served as the international tourism sales manager for the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau where she gained industry knowledge and experience in association management, relationship building and plan implementation. Previous roles include co-founder of Latinas Take Charge, an organization dedicated to encouraging and empowering Latinas across the United States, and a member of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett’s 2013 trade mission to Brazil and Chile.

“Her proven expertise in developing connections is a skill that is imperative to the value we deliver the fresh produce and floral industries,” Anthony Barbieri, PMA’s senior vice president of member relations and business development, said in the press release. “Her experience around the world will help create a positive impact on our efforts to build connections and provide relevant tools to help members grow their business.”

“I’m really excited to begin working on behalf of the fresh produce and floral industry members,” said Gamarra.  “I’ve led projects for countries in the Netherlands, Brazil, Spain, Italy and China, and I believe my international business skills have helped me significantly in developing successful relationships with government officials, buyers and executives alike.”

Gamarra was recognized as one of Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos in 2012 and received the Pennsylvania Multicultural Leadership Award by the National Diversity Council. She is a member of the Association of Latino Professionals For America, ALPFA, and was previously involved in the American Association of Philadelphia Board of Directors and the MAC Board of Directors.