TIPA names new board members
The Texas International Produce Association has added three new members to its board of directors: Travis Catalani, Anna Lopez and retail and Cory Oliver.
Catalani started his full-time career at B. Catalani 14 years ago, but TIPA said he has grown up around produce his entire life. The company was founded in 1914 and Catalani is the fourth generation to continue the family business. “I have known since I was 12 years old that this is what I wanted to do," he said. "I am passionate about the industry and honored to be able to serve in this role for TIPA.”
Lopez recently assumed the role of the vice president of produce for HEB but has been with the company for over 28 years. She began her career in the Gulf Coast and started in-store operations for the first 10 years. Her career has included multiple roles for produce, including regional operations, corporate merchandising and marketing, quality assurance, business development manager and business unit director for procurement.
Oliver started his produce career on the retail side and worked with various grocery stores for over 25 years before moving to the supplier side. His tenure included management and director level positions within Albertsons, Ahold, HEB, Sprouts and Kroger — nearly always in Texas. The last five-plus years, he has worked with Texas-based shippers handling a variety of commodities and roles. Recently, Oliver represented TIPA at the Gulfoods event in Dubai, UEA, as part of a Texas Department of Ag trade mission to expand access into new international markets.
"We would also like to express our sincere appreciation for the contribution and leadership of the board members that have concluded their service," the association said in a statement. "Their support and dedication has been invaluable to the association: Mrs. Courtney Schuster Moore of Rio Fresh Inc., Mrs. April Flowers of Lone Star Citrus Growers, and Mr. Will Steele of Frontera Produce LTD."
