Progressive Produce and Pacific Trellis Fruit have added Jamie Sells as senior vice president of sales and business development. His arrival came at the perfect time, as the companies showcased their latest innovations during the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, CA.

Publix Vice President of Internal Audit Linda Hall will retire effective Jan. 1, 2026, after 40 years of dedicated service. With Hall’s retirement, the retailer announced three executive promotions: Meghan Vazquez, Aleece Tiedt and Bill Hammond. 

Hall began her career in 1985 as a data processing auditor. She was promoted to internal audit manager in 1990 and then to director of internal audit in 1992. She has been in her current role since 2002.  

When Debbie Willmann began her journey with Index Fresh in 1990, George H.W. Bush was the U.S. president, California was the cornerstone of the domestic avocado industry and the total weekly U.S. avocado inventory averaged around 8 million pounds. Thirty-five years later, Willmann has advanced from her entry-level start to vice president of sales, growing alongside both Index Fresh and the rapidly evolving avocado industry.

Aimee McDonald has joined Markon as the new director of food safety. A California native and Cal Poly graduate, McDonald brings decades of food-safety experience within the realm of produce. 

McDonald’s career spans the fresh-cut, frozen, retail and foodservice sectors, giving her a well-rounded understanding of every stage in the food supply chain. She has had a depth of experience in food safety and quality assurance and has held leadership roles with several leading food companies, most recently with organicgirl in the Salinas Valley.

A new chapter is beginning at MBG Marketing as Brian Bocock steps in as CEO, effective Nov. 1. Bocock is a lifelong grower, innovator and respected leader, with roots that run deep in the blueberry fields.