Kimberly Paxton-Hagner, co-owner of Kwik Lok Corp. based in Yakima, WA, has been elected to the role of board chair for the company. Kwik Lok is a global company that was founded by Paxton-Hagner’s grandfather, Floyd Paxton, and has been run by her family for three generations. Paxton-Hagner assumed the role as chairperson at the company’s recent board meeting on April 1.

Shenandoah Growers Inc., one of the nation’s leading and largest certified organic indoor farming companies with products available in most major retailers across the U.S., announced Cameron Geiger as chief operating officer as the company enters its next phase of transformational growth. Geiger will report to Shenandoah Growers President Phillip Karp and serve on the company’s executive leadership team.

Mario Anthony Pallotta, who owned and operated M.A. Pallotta Brokerage Co. for over 50 years, died unexpectedly March 17 at Melrose Wakefield Hospital as a result of complications from COVID-19. He was 82.

Kegel’s Produce, a 70-year-old family-owned business located in Lancaster, PA, announced the retirement of Jim Sahd, who for the last two decades managed the company’s accounting department.

Marking 17 years of recognizing exceptional retail produce managers, United Fresh Produce Association announced the honorees of its 2021 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. This year’s cohort of 25 produce managers represents supermarket banners, commissaries and independent retail stores from 21 different states and one Canadian province.

Premium fresh food producer FiveStar Gourmet Foods, Makers of Simply Fresh, is bringing aboard proven produce industry leader Michael Solomon as president, effective immediately. Reporting to CEO Tal Shoshan, Solomon will oversee all day-to-day operations out of the company’s Ontario, CA, headquarters. Shoshan will continue to oversee the company’s innovation and strategic growth.