ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS:
Food Marketing Institute (FMI), Arlington, Va.
New officers elected to 2-year terms include Joe Sheridan, president and CEO of Wakefern Food Corp., as chairman; Kevin Davis, president and CEO of Bristol Farms, Inc., as immediate past chairman; David Smith, chief executive officer of Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., as vice chairman, finance; Dean Janeway, Jr., chief executive officer of Key Food Stores Co-operative, Inc., as vice chairman, wholesaler; Micheal Needler, Jr., president and CEO, Fresh Encounter, Inc., as vice chairman, independent operator; Craig Boyan, president and CEO, HEB, as vice chairman, food safety; Chris Coborn, president and CEO, Coborn’s Inc., as vice chairman, member services; Todd Jones, president and CEO, Publix Super Markets, Inc., as vice chairman, industry relations; Brian George, president and CEO, Alex Lee, Inc., as vice chairman, public affairs; and Randy Edeker, chairman, president and CEO of Hy-Vee, Inc., as vice chairman, communications. New directors elected to 3-year terms include Stuart Aitken, chief executive officer of 84.51º, The Kroger Co.; Edward Basha III, chief executive officer of Bashas' Inc.; Mike Duffy, chief executive officer, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.; Lou Fisher, owner, Main Street Supermarket Corp.; Paul Grimwood, chairman and CEO, Nestlé USA, Inc.; John Najjar, vice president of Seaside Market; and Rick Wright, chief executive officer of Market of Choice, Inc. New chairman’s appointees to 1-year terms entail Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, LLC; Kenneth McGrath, chief executive officer, Save-A-Lot, Ltd.; Denise Morrison, president and CEO, Campbell Soup Co.; John Ross, president and CEO, IGA, Inc.; Randall Skoda, president and CEO, Topco Associates, LLC; and Tobias Wasmuht, managing director at SPAR International.

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Reston, Va.
Dave Newcorn was promoted to the newly created position of senior vice president, digital and data, responsible for centralizing the association’s digital and audience resources with data, new product development, website development and information technology. Initially a staff editor with Packaging World, Newcorn has navigated PMMI Media Group’s digital media initiatives since 1996, serving as the creative force behind its digital marketing solutions. Meanwhile, Jim Pittas will assume the role of president and CEO, effective Feb. 1, succeeding Chuck Yuska, who is retiring after 27 years at the helm. Pittas became chief operating officer in April 2017 after 17 years managing PMMI’s EXPO tradeshows.
 
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), Tucker, Ga.
Tom Hensley, president, Fieldale Farms, was elected the 2018 chairman of the board of directors. Hensley is also past chairman of the National Chicken Council and a life member of the Georgia Poultry Federation. John Prestage, senior vice president, Prestage Farms, was named vice chairman; Greg Hinton, vice president at Rose Acre Farms, was named treasurer; Mike Levengood, vice president of Perdue Foods, was named secretary; and Jerry Moye, president of Hendrix Genetics, is immediate past chairman.

PROCESSORS/RETAILERS/DISTRIBUTORS:
The Kraft Heinz Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Mackey McDonald announced plans to retire from the company’s board of directors following the end of his term. George Zoghbi was nominated to stand for election. McDonald served in key roles during Kraft Foods Group’s spin-off, and most recently, during the merger of Kraft and Heinz. Zoghbi served as chief operating officer of the U.S. commercial business from the closing of the 2015 merger until October 2017, when he transitioned to strategic advisor and to chief executive officer, a role he will continue in. He joined Kraft in 2007, and has held various roles during his career, including chief operating officer of Kraft Foods. Zoghbi is also a director of Brambles Ltd.

Clear Springs Foods, Inc., Buhl, Idaho
Kurt Myers was elevated to president and CEO, effective March 1, leading the development and execution of the company’s long-term strategy with a view to creating shareholder value. Myers joined Clear Springs Foods 3 years ago, bringing 20 years of experience working in the food industry in sales, marketing and operational roles. And, Jeff Jermunson will be promoted to chief operating officer, also effective March 1, responsible for leading the day-to-day operations in accordance with strategic plans and operating and capital budgets. Jermunson joined Clear Springs Foods 11 years ago, bringing 18years of experience working in the food industry in operational roles. Lastly, Larry Cope will retire as an employee, but will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors and as a strategic advisor.

The Kroger Co., Cincinnati
Steve McKinney, currently president of the Fry's Food Stores division, was promoted to senior vice president of retail divisions, effective Feb. 5. McKinney began his career with Kroger in 1981 as a clerk for Florida Choice Supermarkets, a former Kroger banner. While there, he advanced to store manager, buyer and field representative. In 1988, he joined Fry's in Phoenix, Ariz., and served in various leadership positions, including deli director and executive director of operations. He was named vice president of operations for Fry's in 1998. In 2006, McKinney was named vice president of operations for Kroger's Southwest division. In 2007, he was named vice president of operations for the company's Ralphs division. McKinney was named president of Fry's in 2013. Monica Garnes, currently corporate vice president of produce-floral merchandising, will succeed McKinney as president of the Fry's division. Garnes launched her career with Kroger in 1995 when she joined the management training program in the Columbus, Ohio, division. She held a variety of leadership roles in her 23-year career with the company, including human resources coordinator, produce buyer, store manager, public affairs manager and district manager before advancing to produce-floral merchandiser in the division. Garnes was promoted to vice president of merchandising for the Fry's division in 2013, and named to her current role in 2015.

Capitol City Produce Co., LLC, Baton Rouge, La.
Darin Arceneaux was appointed president, effective immediately. Arceneaux joined the company in 2014 as chief operating officer, and has provided leadership to significant initiatives, including the recently announced acquisition of Table Fresh Foods, the expansion of the facilities from 39,000 to 90,000 square feet, the implementation of a new ERP system that ensures scalability for growth, the addition of new product lines, including chocolates and cheeses, the strengthening of relationships with local growers, the attainment of a Safe Quality Foods level 3 rating for food safety and the building of an exceptional leadership team.

OWB Packers, Brawley, Calif.
Terri Hall was appointed vice president and facility manager. Hall has been managing the company’s quality assurance and food safety intervention programs for over the last decade. Hall has been with One World Beef for over a decade in her 30 years of industry experience, and maintains industry knowledge in quality assurance, working with the USDA and other food safety regulatory bodies.

Hooks Cheese Co., Mineral Point, Wis.
Sara Hill, a 37-year veteran of the specialty cheese industry, was hired as the company’s first national sales manager, focusing on expanding distribution and increasing the company’s presence at industry tradeshows and events. Hill’s career includes previous positions at Olfisco Inc., Classic Provisions and Carr Valley Cheese. Most recently, Hill served as manager of cheese education for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, where during her 10-year tenure, she developed and implemented cheese education programs throughout the United States and spearheaded the recent update and re-release of the Wisconsin Cheesecylopedia. Hill also served as a board member of the American Cheese Society.

SunFed, Rio Rico, Ariz.
Laura Reyes was named director of food safety, tasked with helping SunFed and its partners adhere to guidelines outlined by the Food Safety & Modernization Act (FSMA). Reyes most recently worked with PrimusLabs, and is well trained in food safety science and up-to-date with the current and upcoming auditing schemes. Her knowledge also extends from regulations and compliance to on-the-job daily implementation of those same requirements.

FOODSERVICE:
Jack in the Box Inc., San Diego, Calif.
Lance Tucker will join as executive vice president and CFO, effective March 26, taking over for Jerry Rebel, who announced in April 2017 his plans to retire from the company as executive vice president and CFO, a position he’s held since 2005. Tucker is currently senior vice president, CFO and CAO for Papa John’s International, Inc., where he oversees all finance, accounting, legal, human resources, investor relations, strategic planning and risk management functions. Tucker was promoted to treasurer and CFO of Papa John’s in February 2011, and added the chief administrative officer title and responsibilities in July 2012. From June 2010 to February 2011, he was Papa John’s chief of staff and senior vice president, strategic planning, and served as chief of staff and vice president, strategic planning from June 2009 to June 2010. Prior to joining Papa John’s in 2009, Tucker served six years as chief financial officer for Evergreen Real Estate. From 1999-2003, he held leadership positions in finance for several companies engaged in education, technology consulting, online retailing and real estate development. Tucker was previously employed by Papa John’s as director of finance from 1994-1999. Prior to joining Papa John’s, he was a senior accountant for Ernst & Young, LLC. Meanwhile, Frances Allen announced plans to resign as brand president, effective Feb. 9, with Marcus Tom joining the company on Feb. 12 as vice president and COO, tasked with overseeing operations for company and franchise restaurants as well as strategic initiatives and operations services. Tom maintains more than 15 years of experience in operations leadership positions, most recently at JAB Beech Inc., where he was senior vice president, operations of the Caribou Coffee brand from January 2017 to December 2017 and senior vice president, operations for the Einstein Bros. Bagels brand from July 2015 to December 2016. From March 2006 to June 2015, Tom held several positions of increasing responsibility with Starbucks Coffee Co., specifically as director of business operations for all U.S. and Canada licensed stores from January 2014 to June 2015. From May 2012 to December 2013, he was Starbucks’ regional director, licensed stores in California and West Arizona, and from March 2006 to May 2012, was a regional director, responsible for Starbucks’ company-operated stores in San Diego and the greater Phoenix area. He also served as a regional vice president overseeing 600 stores during a 6-month, limited-time assignment in 2009. Prior to joining Starbucks, Tom held several positions with YUM Brands International from 1991-2006, including as senior leader for YUM's franchised business in Central America and the Caribbean.

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar, Glendale, Calif.
Joel Yashinsky was appointed senior vice president and chief marketing officer, responsible for overseeing all aspects of marketing, including strategic positioning, marketing plan development, media, advertising, merchandising, beverage innovation and public relations. In addition, he will lead the company’s franchise marketing committee in partnership with franchisees. Yashinsky maintains more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Previously, he held a variety of positions with McDonald's, most recently serving as marketing vice president for McDonald's USA, where he oversaw the brand's U.S. marketing calendar, promotions, advertising, sports marketing and agency relationships. Before joining McDonald's USA, Yashinsky led the brand's Canadian division as chief marketing officer, consisting of 1,400 restaurants and 300 franchisees.

SUPPLIERS:
Optima USA, Green Bay, Wis.
Joachim Dittrich was named chief representative, effective Feb. 1, responsible for the strategic orientation and development of the company’s subsidiary business sections and the development of prospects and synergies. Previously, Dittrich worked for Optima Consumer from 2010-2011 as commercial director. Due to family matters, he then switched to packaging machine manufacturer to take on a general manager role.

Conveyco Technologies, Bristol, Conn.
Ken Soper was named sales engineer. Soper maintains over 30 years of experience in the material handling industry, and has led the installs of many of the automated material handling technologies available today, such as robotics, conveyors, sorters, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and automated guided vehicles (AGV). Soper deployed automation for companies of all sizes, including small e-commerce businesses and Fortune 500 companies.

Dorner Mfg. Corp., Hartland, Wis.
Ben McGruder was appointed director of customer service and inside sales, responsible for leading the company’s inside sales team and overseeing all aspects of the company’s customer service initiatives with customers and key accounts. McGruder brings more than 14 years of sales experience. Most recently, he was inside sales manager at B/E Aerospace Lighting & Integrated Systems, where he created sales strategies and techniques to lead a national sales team. McGruder has also held various sales management positions at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics.

CTSI-Global, Memphis, Tenn.
Bryan Kelley was hired as director of logistics operations, specializing in managed services. Kelley is an accomplished supply chain management professional, with 20-plus years’ experience directing complex domestic and international distribution operations for top-tier companies, including EMI Music Group and Technicolor. Joining Kelley in managed services will be Matt Jackson, a 10-year CTSI-Global veteran who is back after a brief tenure with another logistics concern. Brian Scott, senior vice president of global sales, will move to the new Charleston, S.C., office, where he will build the company’s presence in this growing market. Debra Buescher was promoted to director of finance operations. Buescher came to CTSI-Global 23 years ago from Consolidated Systems, where she worked in production. She has held positions in various groups, transitioning to the accounting group in 2006. She has been managing finance operations diligently since 2011.

GS1 US, Lawrenceville, N.J.
Joseph Sheridan, president and COO of Wakefern Food Corp., was elected chairman. Sheridan, who previously served as the board's vice chairman, succeeds former GS1 US board chairman, Mark Alexander, president, Campbell North America. Sheridan became Wakefern's president and COO in 2011. During his more than 40-year tenure at Wakefern, he has held several executive positions, including executive vice president and a succession of management positions in finance, general merchandise, grocery, direct store delivery and marketing. Additionally, John Inwright, president and CEO, Wendy's Quality Supply Chain Co-op, Inc. (QSCC), and Mel Landis, senior vice president, business transformation, Coca-Cola North America, were named vice chairmen, responsible for helping to guide the GS1 US strategy and overall governance of the 20-person board. Inwright led the launch of QSCC in 2010, and as president and CEO, leads the development of high-performance teams focused on innovation and serving QSCC's members. Prior to joining QSCC, Inwright held executive leadership positions with various organizations, including Nice-Pak/PDII, U.S. Foodservice (now US Foods) and Unified Foodservice Purchasing Co-op, LLC (now RSCS, the supply chain co-op for Yum! Brands). Since becoming senior vice president, business transformation for Coca-Cola North America in 2017, Landis leads a new initiative to focus on all aspects of the company's effectiveness and efficiency to drive organizational performance. Previously, he was president of The Minute Maid Co. business unit for two years, and held other executive positions with Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated and Coca-Cola Refreshments.

ProMach, Inc., Covington, Ky.
Andy Moeder was named new chief financial officer, tasked with leading the company's financial strategy for long-term profitability, providing financial guidance to support continued growth and overseeing the company-wide finance and accounting teams. Moeder has served ProMach in various financial roles, most recently as vice president, finance and treasurer. He joined ProMach in 2012 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, where he served in FP&A and internal audit leadership roles, and started his career providing accounting and auditing consulting services with Grant Thornton. Moeder will be replacing outgoing CFO William Schult.

AgroFresh Solutions, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa.
Paul Nselel was appointed vice president and global general manager, post-harvest, responsible for leading the company’s post-harvest commercial teams to increase penetration, market share and revenue. Previously, Nselel held a variety of positions at Monsanto over an 8-year period, ranging from marketing to leading the company’s commercial effort and teams in Eastern Europe, then in the eastern U.S. Before Monsanto, Nselel spent six years with Nike in strategic planning, and began his career in banking with companies such as Paribas and Lehman Brothers.