HACKENSACK, NJ — Members of the Eastern Produce Council came out in force Wednesday evening, Sept. 9, for the council's first meeting following its traditional summer break.

Members heard two dynamic presentations by the co-sponsors of the meeting: Avocados from Mexico and the Idaho Potato Commission. Maggie Bezart Hall, vice president of retail and promotion, led the Avocados from Mexico delegation, and Seth Pemsler, vice president of retail and international, led the Idaho Potato Commission delegation.

Held at the Stony Hill Inn, here, the meeting was also memorable for being the first in more than 25 years without the guidance of John McAleavey, the council's longtime executive director, who died June 5.

Susan McAleavey Sarlund addressed the Sept. 9 meeting of the Eastern Produce Council, her first as executive director of the organization.EPC President Vic Savanello, director of produce and floral at Allegiance Retail Services LLC, opened the meeting by asking for a moment of silence for Mr. McAleavey. "John McAleavey led this organization for over a quarter of a century," said Savanello. "He was so well respected, and he had a tireless work ethic. He will be very hard to replace."

But that process took a big step forward at the meeting when Savanello introduced Mr. McAleavey's daughter, Susan Sarlund, who was named EPC executive director back on July 14. "She brings a wealth of experience with the Eastern Produce Council," said Savanello. And alluding to her work behind the scenes with the council over the last few years, he affectionately called her "the Oz behind the curtain."

"To say this is bittersweet for me is truly an understatement," Sarlund said as she took the microphone for the first time in new role. "Working side by side with my father, John, was a privilege. He taught me so much personally and professionally, and as so many of you know, his passion was contagious. I know he is thrilled that I -- together with my brother, John Jr., and mother, Joann, here tonight -- are here to carry on this legacy. I just want to express our gratitude for the support you have shown our family over the past few months."

She continued, "As Vic mentioned, we are excited for a new season of EPC events, and we are here to assist you, our membership. We encourage you to share what's going on at the EPC with your peers in the industry; we could love to have them join our vital organization and are always looking for member volunteers to contribute to our events. Again, thank you for being here tonight. I am honored to be your new executive director."

John McAleavey also served two terms on the New Jersey Agricultural Society's board of trustees, from 2009 to 2015. But he died before the society could present him with a plaque thanking him for his service, a tradition at the society for those whose terms have concluded. As a special way to say thanks, Al Murray, New Jersey's assistant secretary of agriculture and who also serves on the ag society's board of trustees, came up to present a plaque to Mr. McAleavey's widow, Joann, at the EPC meeting.