Next Generation Leadership Academy meets at Southern Exposure
The Southeast Produce Council hosted a special reception on March 8 for its inaugural class of the Next Generation Leadership Academy during SEPC’s Southern Exposure conference March 7-9, in Tampa, FL, marking the completion of the year-long program. This program is designed for up-and-coming leaders in the produce industry, to develop purposeful leadership styles.
The inaugural class consists of Daniel Spivey of Sprouts Farmers Market, Adam Brady of Shuman Farms, Clay Jones of Schraad Sales & Marketing, Matt Zapczynski of Merchants Distributors, Maclaren Oglesby of Sbrocco International, Drew Callaghan of RPE, Chuck Sinks Jr. of Van Solkema Produce, Chris Kaszanits of Southeastern Grocers, Heather Hart of The Fresh Market, Leah Patterson of Calavo Growers, Ingrid Lozano of Fresh Del Monte and Mary-Scott Demarchis of Gotham Greens.
Raina Nelson, president and CEO at Westfalia Fruit Marketing USA, and Kim Flores, vice president of business development at Pro Citrus Network, co-chair the program.
“The Next Generation Leadership Academy is one of the SEPC’s budding leadership programs and is a testament to the council’s collective dedication to nurture a new wave of leaders, and to equip them with the skills, insights and resilience to safeguard our industry for generations to come,” said Nelson. “We are so proud of this inaugural class, and witnessing their commitment to the program and to one another has been a privilege. Our future is bright with these Next Generation leaders at the helm.”
Photo: NGLA co-chairs Raina Nelson (sitting left) and Kim Flores (sitting right) with inaugural class members (standing) Daniel Spivey, Adam Brady, Clay Jones, Matt Zapczynski, Maclaren Oglesby, Drew Callaghan, Chuck Sinks Jr. and Chris Kaszanits, and (sitting) Heather Hart, Leah Patterson, Ingrid Lozano and Mary-Scott Demarchis.
