On Friday, Oct. 26, the inaugural PMA Robert L. Carey Leadership Award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer leadership skills and an uncommon commitment to helping the Produce Marketing Association achieve its goals of advancing the produce industry.

PMA President Bryan Silbermann told The Produce News that the award is named in honor of Robert Carey, who served as the chief executive officer of the association for 38 years.

Mr. Carey is largely responsible for the early growth of the organization. He was CEO from Robert L. Carey1958 to 1996, and oversaw the organization’s expansion from 100 members and near bankruptcy to running the largest trade show in the industry and operating on a budget in excess of $8 million annually.

But more than that, Mr. Silbermann said, “Bob epitomized the volunteer spirit.”

While he was the paid executive of PMA, Mr. Carey modeled volunteerism to his staff and the industry throughout his involvement in many other organizations.

“He always preached the importance of volunteerism,” Mr. Silbermann said. “He served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 28 years and was involved in many organizations, such as the American Society of Association Executives, where he served on the board for so many years.”

Mr. Carey also was very involved in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and many of its committees and activities. “He believed in volunteering his time and inspired so many people to do the same,” said the current CEO of PMA.

As an association executive, Mr. Silbermann’s said that Mr. Carey’s style “was to always put the member first. He believed deeply that the members owned the organization.”

To honor his role in the growth of the organization, PMA has established this new award in his name, which will be presented annually to a person who has made a significant contribution of time and effort to the PMA cause especially in the leadership arena.

“We want to recognize someone who in their own career displays a high level of integrity, dedication and distinction, but we are specifically honoring them for their leadership role with regard to PMA,” said Mr. Silbermann. “This is a PMA award. It is for a leader of this association.”

Mr. Silbermann went on to say that the selection committee will have done its job if, upon hearing the recipient’s name each year, the industry collectively says, “I get it. That person deserves it.”

This year’s recipient will be announced at the Friday general session, with Mr. Silbermann making the presentation. He, along with four former chairmen of the association, made the unanimous selection based upon nominations from the industry. The judges for the 2012 award were Janet Erickson of Del Taco LLC; Robert DiPiazza of DiPiazza Consulting Services; Ted Campbell of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association; and Bill Schuler of Castellini Co.

Mr. Carey, who retired from PMA in 1998, moved to Florida where he lived for 11 years. Three years ago he moved back to Delaware and currently resides in an assisted-care facility.