ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS:
The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP), Seattle, Wash.
Anna Carpenter fills the newly created role of communications and membership coordinator, effective July 1, where she will assist in crafting the narrative for Wild Alaska Pollock with a Year 2 strategic plan and act as the voice on social media. Carpenter was previously employed by Dimension Mill, where she gained experience coordinating and executing the organization’s marketing and communications efforts. She has also served multiple roles within St. Mary’s College, gaining experience with grassroots and social media marketing as well as communications. 

International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C.
Jennifer Martin was named director, external and member communications. Martin previously managed communications for The Fertilizer Institute’s (TFI) nutrient stewardship and security and safety programs. She also assisted in developing communications strategies for TFI’s policy and advocacy efforts, directed TFI’s member communications and provided marketing support for TFI conferences. For the past 14 years, Martin has worked in various roles in agricultural communications. Before joining TFI, she served as the director of food technology communications at the International Food Information Council (IFIC), and served in key federal government roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, communicating the benefits of federally funded agricultural research. During her service, she was instrumental in the launch of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). And, Michael Goodin was appointed manager, multimedia and digital content. Goodin maintains a decade of experience in fast-paced, campaign-style creative media atmospheres with multimedia production and management of digital teams. As manager of the video production team at the Heritage Foundation, Goodin delivered multimedia products and solutions to increase social media performance and generate national brand recognition. With his own media production company, Goodin specialized in advocacy videos and digital communications. He began his career in media production as a producer and editor for numerous Discovery Channel programs, as well as full-length documentaries and national television commercials.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington, D.C.
Ralph Hoffman, executive vice president, risk management for foodservice and food ingredients at Schuman Cheese, was appointed to USDA’s Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Processed Foods. Hoffman maintains a background in supply chain, commodities purchasing and financial modeling of global economic indicators to maintain cost consistency and visibility while managing against price fluctuations. Hoffman also serves on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and is on the executive committee of the Cheese Importers Association of America Board.

PROCESSORS/RETAILERS/DISTRIBUTORS:
Golbon, Boise, Idaho
Rick Weis assumed the role of regional vice president of sales – North. Weis, a 5-year veteran of Golbon, previously served as director of member development for Golbon’s Northeast region. He possesses more than 25 years of foodservice distributor experience. Don Poulin is now regional vice president of sales – South. Poulin, also a 5-year veteran with Golbon, previously served as director of member development for Golbon’s Southeast region. Prior industry experience includes many years of senior purchasing management roles, as well as leading positions across the foodservice buying group industry. Kelli Fulkerson was promoted to director of operations to lead Golbon’s administrative teams and coordinate Golbon’s internal operational functions. Fulkerson spent 15 years with Golbon, and has progressed through several roles, most recently administrative director. Kelsy Allison assumes the role of member services manager, responsible for coordinating Golbon’s member services support team. Allison has been with Golbon for 15 years, having previously served as member development associate.

IF&P Foods, Chicago
Steve Grinstead was named chief executive officer, and Greg Corsaro as president and COO, of the combined group of companies following IF&P’s acquisition of Get Fresh Produce.

Pacific Organic Produce, San Francisco
Mike Rubidoux was hired as sales manager, overseeing the sales, sales support, commodity managers and QC teams, as well as handling account-base sales. Rubidoux worked his way from junior sales positions to sales manager to eventually vice president of sales and marketing in quality control, food safety, shipping and receiving and marketing roles. Rubidoux maintains over 30 years’ experience in the produce industry, and has worked with many companies, including Lee Brands Asparagus, Sage Fruit and Sun Pacific Marketing, as well as specialty fruit and vegetable marketers, Harvest Sensations and Crystal Valley Foods.

sbe, New York
Nate Appleman was named chief operating officer of Umami Burger, tasked with overseeing the company’s national and global expansion. Appleman maintains extensive experience in the culinary industry, having worked with Chipotle for over 7 years, most recently as on-the-go vice president of culinary, where he grew the business from 900 to 2,200 locations. John Polizzi was named vice president of operations for Disruptive Group, where he will help drive the company’s growth and its ongoing integration with Accor. Polizzi maintains over 25 years of operational and managerial experience with Tao and China Grill Management as well as the Starr Restaurant Organization. He most recently served as vice president of operations at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, supporting the brand’s domestic and global growth, opening locations from Singapore to Disney.

Lucky’s Market, Boulder, Colo.
Stacey Dark was named vice president of distribution to manage the company’s new distribution center in Orlando. Dark maintains a strong background in running and leading all logistics-related manners within a distribution center.

River Fresh Farms, Salinas, Calif.
Veteran produce industry sales executive David Martinez joined in the newly created role of senior vice president of business development, where he will lead the company’s continued national expansion, with a focus on building and maintaining relationships with retailers and foodservice providers, while developing new distribution channels. Martinez has been vice president of sales at D’Arrigo Bros. since 2011, where he played an instrumental role in the company’s strategic and business planning initiatives.

Darigold, Inc., Seattle, Wash.
Benoy Kondoor joined as sales director – Middle East and Africa of the company’s new Dubai sales office. Kondoor previously managed dairy sales for Louis Dreyfus Co. in the Middle East and Pakistan. Prior to that, he managed dairy sales for Olam.

Organically Grown Co. (OCG), Portland, Ore.
Mike Boyle was promoted to vice president of sales and sourcing. Boyle maintains a diverse background in produce retail, wholesale distribution, commodity procurement, sales and team leadership. He joined OGC in 2013, and has served in multiple roles, most recently as director of sales and business development. Before that, he led Pacific Northwest procurement as a regional produce coordinator for Whole Foods, and served as director of produce for Andronico’s Community Markets, where he implemented systems for purchasing, receiving, quality control and merchandising. Bryce White was named vice president of business operations. A thought leader in plant management, direct-store-delivery and supply chain tactics, White most recently led the corporate supply chain and strategy work at Columbia Distributing, where his focus included procurement, real estate, supply chain optimization and innovation. Prior to Columbia, White spent 14 years at PepsiCo in various roles, including plant director. He has served as chair and president of the Washington State Warehouse Education and Research Council (WERC), and sits as an advisor for Fizikl.

Capitol City Produce, Baton Rouge, La.
Mike Fruge was named vice president of sales, Caleb Prejean was appointed vice president of operations and Devin Roy joined as vice president of administration and CFO, assuming responsibility for information services and employee relationships and development.

NectarTek, Las Vegas
Tim Spong will serve as chief executive officer. Previously, Spong served as executive director of supply chain and operations services for Chipotle Mexican Grill. In addition, food safety scientist Dr. James Marsden joined as chief regulatory affairs officer. And, Robert Gaither was appointed chief technical officer.     

San Miguel Produce, Inc., Oxnard, Calif.
John Killeen was hired as vice president and general manager. Killeen maintains 30 years of experience in the industry. Previously, he served as director of business development at Mastronardi Produce-West. He started his career at Dole Fresh Fruit, and was involved in both citrus and banana sales for nearly 10 years. He’s also held positions at New Star Fresh Foods LLC, Tanimura & Antle and Muranaka Farm Inc.

Church Brothers Farms, Salinas, Calif.
Merritt Bruce joined as vice president of retail business development. Bruce previously served as vice president of sales at Growers Express from 2013-2019, where his responsibilities included strategic planning, retail business development, as well as sales team, supply chain and account management.

Cabot Creamery Co-operative, Cabot, Vt.
Visitor center manager Erica Burke was promoted to general manager of all Cabot retail operations, including the three Vermont stores in Cabot, Waterbury, and Quechee, Vt., and on the Waterfront in Portland, Maine. Burke succeeds Laurie Callahan, who dedicated 25 years as director of retail and tourism.

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc., Coral Gables, Fla.
Alex McCloskey, director of new product development at Mann Packing, which Del Monte acquired in February 2018, will expand his role to also oversee Del Monte branded products across North America, responsible for leading the innovation and new development processes for all Del Monte Fresh Produce brands on a national basis. McCloskey is an industry veteran with experience in the agriculture and food industries.

Nova Austral, Chile
Nicos Nicolaides stepped down from his position as chief executive officer. Francisco Miranda, the new chief operations officer, will lead all sales and operations. Nicolas Larco, formerly chief financial officer of Cencosud Chile, will join as chief financial officer.

FOODSERVICE:
Papa John's International, Inc., Louisville, Ky.
Jim Norberg was appointed chief restaurant operations officer, overseeing the operations of Papa John’s corporate and franchise restaurants in North America. Norberg, a quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry veteran, spent more than 30 years of his career at McDonald’s, most recently as executive vice president and COO, where he managed operations for 14,000 U.S. restaurants. During his time at McDonald’s, Norberg’s leadership was instrumental in unifying company and franchise operations around the brand’s messaging, and leading a system-wide review to simplify store operations and menus. His collaboration with the McDonald’s franchisee community also led to the modernization of the customer experience in the chain’s restaurant operations. After his long tenure at McDonald’s, Norberg served as an independent strategic advisor to organizations in the restaurant, hospitality, entertainment and consumer goods industry.

SUPPLIERS:
Brain Corp., San Diego, Calif.
Michel Spruijt was named general manager of Brain Corp Europe, tasked with providing partner support and overseeing general operations throughout Europe.

Fristam Pumps, Middleton, Wis.
Kari Kreger joined as human resources manager, responsible for developing and leading human resource functions, including benefits and welfare plan administration, employee relations management, payroll, recruitment, workers compensation and safety and employee training programs. Kreger maintains over 20 years of human resource management experience, is an active member of the Greater Madison Society of Human Resource Management and is a member of the National Society of Human Resources Management. Pete Danielson joined as controller, responsible for financial operations, financial reporting, planning and analysis, cost accounting, budget preparation, risk management, compliance and internal controls. Danielson maintains extensive experience, having served manufacturing companies in practice as CPA with Moss Adams and CLA and in divisional financial management roles for multinational companies.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), UK
Kathy Groves joined the food microscopy team to provide senior consultancy support and promote the benefits of using food microstructure in product development. Groves is a pioneer in the use of microscopy in food structure analysis and quality assessment, and has participated in numerous research projects, including protein functionality, starch and fat interactions, meat quality and emulsions. She maintains 40 years’ experience food microscopy, is a fellow of the Royal Microscopical Society, member of Institute of Food Science and Technology and visiting professor at the University of Chester.

Kezzler AS, Norway
Bjørn Kjærand Haugland joined the board of directors. Haugland is an expert in sustainability, innovation and business development, maintaining more than 25 years of experience across management, international marketing, mergers and acquisitions and technology. He currently serves as chief executive officer of NORWAY 203040, responsible for accelerating Norway’s transition to a low-carbon economy and supporting the government in delivering on its national climate commitments by 2030. He is also former executive vice president and chief sustainability officer at DNV GL Group. Additionally, Haugland is a board member of The Peace Research Institute Oslo, the University of Bergen and WWF Norway.

Benchmark, Statham, Ga.
Brandon Paustian was promoted to regional sales manager for its Northwest region, playing an integral role in selling automatic infeeds, conveyors, pouch machinery and more to the Northwestern Canada, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming market. Paustian maintains extensive experience in the manufacturing and distribution industries, having worked at Benchmark for the last 3 years, most recently as applications engineer.

Chroma Color Corp., McHenry, Ill.
Tom Jaeger was named vice president of supply chain management. Jaeger maintains over 15 years of experience in senior management positions, including leading corporate teams in the manufacturing and consumer packaged goods sectors. He’s also led a regional supply chain management consulting practice supporting a wide range of Fortune 1000 clients. Jaeger is well versed in strategic sourcing and global procurement, and has developed programs in supply chain sustainability. Previously, he held a variety of supply chain positions at several global companies, including Newell Brands. 

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America (MHIA), Hunt Valley, Md.
The corrugated machinery division promoted Mike Keidel to senior manager, engineering, leading the company’s engineering department. The 30-year industry veteran has spent his entire career with MHIA corrugating machine division in engineering positions, including project engineer, manager engineering group, and most recently, operations manager/parts sales manager. Meanwhile, Sam Karavedas joined as parts sales manager, tasked with leading the parts sales department to ensure timely customer delivery of parts and services. His 20-year career began at Motion Industries, where he served as inventory control/brand services coordinator, distribution center warehouse manager and account representative.

Pelican Products, Inc., Torrance, Calif.
Michael Bubica was promoted to director of supply chain and inventory performance, where he will work with sales, product management and customer service teams to better understand demand and better align supply and distribution planning. Bubica has worked at Pelican for over 10 years as part of the operations and supply chain teams. He most recently served as demand, supply and distribution planning manager, where he implemented new processes to improve on-time delivery and increase global customer satisfaction.

Meritech, Golden, Colo.
Will Eaton was appointed vice president of sales, succeeding Alison Smith, who has served as vice president of sales since 2017. Eaton previously served as vice president of national accounts at Checkers Safety Group, where he consistently surpassed sales goals while completing and integrating nine acquisitions in just 15 months. Prior to his work at Checkers Safety Group, Eaton served as director of sales and marketing at Accusonic Voice Systems, where he increased annual sales via strategic account acquisitions while simultaneously developing and launching a new website that generated significant growth within 9 months.   

Northrop Grumman Corp., Falls Church, Va.
Kathy Warden was elected chairman, effective Aug. 1. Warden will serve as chairman, CEO and president, succeeding Wes Bush, who has served as chairman since July 2011, and will resign from the board July 31. Warden has been president and CEO of Northrop Grumman since Jan. 1. She was elected to the company’s board of directors in 2018. Previously, she served as president and COO, where she was responsible for the operational management of the four operating sectors as well as its enterprise services organization. Donald Felsinger will continue to serve as lead independent director. Felsinger joined the company's board of directors in 2007. He is the former chairman and CEO of Sempra Energy.

STILL GmbH, Germany
Henry Puhl was reappointed as chairman of the management board and president of the EMEA operating unit for another 4-year term. Puhl has been at helm of the STILL EMEA operating unit since April 1, 2016. Before joining KION/STILL, Puhl was on the executive board of Claas, where he headed up the grain harvest machinery business segment. Prior to that, he was responsible for Schaeffler Group’s ball bearings business. He also worked at John Deere & Co., where he held various management positions with increasing responsibilities in Germany and India. Puhl began his career in 1999 as a project manager for ThyssenKrupp Automotive’s engineering and capital investment department.

Toshiba America Business Solutions, Lake Forest, Calif.
Technology veteran Kerstin Woods was appointed vice president of product and solutions marketing, playing a significant role in channel management, business development and revenue growth. Woods launched her professional career designing rockets in the aerospace industry. In addition to business consulting, she maintains 20 years’ experience in forming global partner alliances, as well as product and solutions development and partner/product marketing for small-to-large startups and Fortune 500 companies. Woods most recently served as senior director of channel product marketing at Oracle, with a focus on accelerating Oracle’s cloud software revenue within the global channel ecosystem. During her tenure at Oracle, she oversaw numerous product and solution launches, as well as sales enablement and go-to-market activities across Oracle’s cloud software and converged infrastructure portfolio.           

Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), Jacksonville, Fla.
Lisa Wheldon joined as director, cargo and intermodal rail, responsible for developing containerized cargo business in major regional markets and managing JAXPORT’s relationships with rail service providers. Wheldon maintains more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation and logistics industry, most recently serving as director of beneficial cargo owner sales for Direct ChassisLink, Inc. During her career, Wheldon has served in roles in every facet of the supply chain at companies such as SeaLand, CSX Intermodal and Florida East Coast Railway. She currently serves on the board for the New York Traffic Club as well as the Containerization & Intermodal Institute.

SensorThink, a Tompkins International company, Raleigh, N.C.
Tom Martin was named vice president of engineering, responsible for leading SensorThink’s software development team. Martin maintains over 25 years of development experience building high-performance global teams focused on customer success. Previously, he was vice president of services at Augmentum, where he led multiple development teams, created innovative products and solutions for healthcare, telecommunication, transportation and logistics across many different environments in the Eastern U.S. region. He also served as vice president of engineering and chief architect for Vitria’s BusinessWare EAI platform, where he helped pioneer the application integration space.

Port of Oakland, Oakland, Calif.
Executive director Chris Lytle announced plans to retire July 19, after 53 years in trade and transportation. Lytle joined the Port of Oakland in July 2013. During his tenure, he achieved 5 years of consecutive increases in passenger volume at Oakland International Airport, reached an all-time high containerized cargo volume in each of the past two years at the seaport, experienced a record operating revenue for three straight years, endure the transformation of former Oakland Army Base property to a Seaport Logistics Complex, led the development of Cool Port Oakland, a 280,000-square-foot refrigerated cargo distribution center and created two long-range planning initiatives that set the port on a course to the future. Lytle also led the development of a 5-year strategic plan called Growth with Care, where it commits to business expansion that benefits neighboring communities. Under his guidance, the port also adopted a long-term air quality plan, and is seeking a path to zero-emission seaport operations. Port attorney Danny Wan will become acting executive director. Wan joined as port attorney in 2012, and served as deputy port attorney from 2004-2008. He is a former member of the Oakland City Council. Cestra Butner will serve a third term as president of the Port of Oakland board of port commissioners. Butner joined the board of port commissioners in 2012. He first served as president from July 2013 to July 2014, and was voted to a second term in July 2018.  Butner founded Horizon Beverage Co., which he sold in 2015. Also re-elected were commissioner Andreas Cluver as first vice president and commissioner Barbara Leslie as second vice president. Cluver joined the board in 2016. He served his initial term as first vice president from July 2018 to July 2019. He is currently secretary-treasurer of the Alameda County Building and Construction Trades Council. Leslie joined the board in December 2018, and is president and CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Commissioners named assistant port attorney Michele Heffes as acting port attorney, replacing Wan.

KION GROUP AG, Germany
Carsten Harnisch, vice president of new energy systems, was appointed managing director of KION Battery Systems GmbH, the joint venture created in partnership with BMZ Holding.

JLS Automation, York, Pa.
Jeremy Rothermel was tapped as Northeastern regional sales manager to support upper Northeast U.S. sales. Rothermel maintains extensive experience with automated packaging and handling solutions. Most recently, he was area sales manager for Cama USA Inc., where he was responsible for secondary packaging sales in the Northeast region. Rothermel was previously regional sales manager in the same area for Benchmark Automation, specializing in the bakery, cookie, cracker and snack food industries. He also spent time with KLEENLine Corp., where he focused on the bakery, meat processing and prepared food industries.

S CAP, New York
Michael Walsh joined as venture partner and vice president, finance and administration. Walsh is a financial, treasury and investment executive with more than 30 years of experience in private equity and corporate finance. Previously, he served as chief financial officer at Gridiron Capital, and has held executive positions in finance and treasury, including corporate controller–Americas, finance director beverages, director corporate planning and assistant treasurer–Americas at Cadbury Schweppes, LC. And, Arjan Overwater joined as advisor. Overwater began his career with Shell, then led the fast-moving consumer goods sector of the Hay Group, and served as human resources director, West Europe for Coca-Cola. He joined Unilever in 1998 as senior vice president global HR, then led the Russia, Ukraine and Belarus business as chief executive officer from 2003-2006, driving the Lipton, Calve and Knorr businesses to double-digit growth. In 2008, Overwater co-founded Fine Foods, which he ran till 2015. He led Meinl am Graben from 2015-2016 as interim CEO. Overwater is currently board chairman for Morrow Optics N.V., a partner in Sunski LLC and a partner in The Fresh Sauce Co. Overwater also serves as an associate partner with Global Praxis.

Dynamic Conveyor Corp., Norton Shores, Mich.
John Stong was hired as sales manager, with a focus on providing conveyor solutions to the plastic parts manufacturing, food processing and packaging industries. Stong maintains several years of sales leadership in the industrial machine manufacturing industry. 

JOH, Billerica, Mass.
TJ Manning joined as account executive/account manager in the specialty natural division. Manning spent the last 10 years with NSSI, a division of Acosta, as an account manager, where he represented various clients at Fairway Market, Whole Foods Market, as well as independent natural stores from both the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) and National Co-op Grocers (NCG).

ECRM, Solon, Ohio
Eric Savitch was hired as senior vice president, international business development, to help grow the company’s trade promotion organization segment and develop a comprehensive program of services and content to help supplier constituents export their products to the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Savitch began his career in sales with McGraw-Hill in 1992. Over the ensuing 25 years, he held sales and leadership roles with Sherwin-Williams, where he sold products to retailers like Sears and Builders Square. He also worked as a national sales representative with Ophthalmology Times for Advanstar Healthcare, publisher of Slack Inc. and global sales director of the Orthopedics Group. In 2001, he joined Lebhar-Friedman as national sales manager of Drug Store News, and was promoted to associate publisher in 2011 and publisher in 2015. Since 2018, he has served as vice president, brand director of both the Drug Store News and Store Brands media franchises.

IN MEMORIUM: JOHN GIUMARRA JR., GIUMARRA VINEYARDS CORP.

John Giumarra Jr., chief executive officer of Giumarra Vineyards Corp., Bakersfield, Calif., passed away June 30.

After graduation, Giumarra Jr. became an attorney with Rutan & Tucker, LLP, where he practiced until his father and uncles asked him to move back to Bakersfield to help with legal matters at their family company, Giumarra Vineyards.

From the beginning of his tenure, Giumarra Jr. applied his legal education and experience to serve as in-house counsel, where he negotiated contracts with chain stores, growers, exporters and licensees on behalf of Giumarra Vineyards, its related entities and within the industry, such as government officials and foreign governments.

He was a promoter of the Grape King and Arra labels, and even named the ARRA 15 Sweeties variety.  As a marketer, he formed business relationships with buyers and executives within the industry.

“John Giumarra provided me with many life lessons throughout our 35-year relationship. Among the most cherished memories were numerous firsts in my life. Playing golf for the first time, touring a vineyard, learning everything he imparted about grapes and a myriad of shared meals that became celebrated events will resonate with me forever,” says Derrick Jenkins, director of produce and floral, Wakefern Food Corp., Keasbey, N.J.

In the early 1980s, Giumarra Jr. signed his first marketing contract with Frucentro S.A. in Chile, and worked as a team with Don Corsaro, former president and current chairman of the Giumarra Cos., on the Giumarra import program, which grew to become what is said to be one of the largest in the industry.

He was also involved in the wine-making process, as well as the sales and marketing of bottled and bulk wine.

In the 1990s, Giumarra Jr. started a grape breeding collaboration in California, and helped form the Agricultural Research & Development Corp., a premier table grape breeding company. Giumarra Jr. was instrumental in working on the early licensing and contract negotiations for the ARRA varieties, and was an advocate to the trade for Sweeties, Passion Fire, Passion Punch, Mystic Dream and Sugar Drop.

In 2015, Giumarra Jr. became president of Giumarra Vineyards, and began a program of vineyard rejuvenation and varietal renewal. He also served as chairman of the board of directors of the California Grape and Tree Fruit League, and served on the board of directors of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association and the Produce Marketing Association. He maintains a 33-year tenure with the California Table Grape Commission, where he served terms both as chairman of the board of directors and executive committee chairman. He also served 23 years as chair of the Export Committee, sat on the Executive Committee for 27 years and was a member of the Intellectual Property Committee.

“In his role on the commission, he made a significant difference to the industry,” says Kathleen Nave, president and CEO of the California Table Grape Commission, Fresno, Calif. “I truly believe that the success the industry has had in exports is due in large part to his leadership. His focus on targeting promotion dollars, on reducing tariffs, on opening new markets all paved the way for individual shippers to sell theirs grapes into a bigger, better marketplace. He helped create the patenting and licensing program, and was instrumental in helping us sort through legal matters of all kinds. He helped create the health research program, and was a big supporter of it and its promise. He never worked on the easy stuff.”

“John Jr. was very charismatic and a diverse leader. His skill set included being an attorney, and he also had a vast understanding of marketing and a vision for the future. This was exhibited by the strong breeding program fostered by Giumarra Vineyards and the varieties that are now in the ground. But, at the end of the day, what I most admired about John Jr. was his dedication to his family despite a very busy schedule,” adds Corsaro.

“John will be missed by so many. I will never forget how he taught us all how to treat people with respect and a smile. In his kind and gentlemanly way, he uniquely encouraged friendships between his growers and customers,” says Tom Kovacevich, owner and CEO TMK Produce, Philadelphia.

“John’s most admirable quality as a person was his ability to make everyone he met feel important, valued and equal. John’s willingness to share his vast knowledge and experience have become personal core tenets, and I hope that I adequately expressed my gratitude to him in our relationship for cultivating this value in me. John will be sorely missed as an icon in the produce industry, and more importantly, in this world as a wonderful man. I am indebted to him as a role model, and will do my best to pay homage to his legacy by emulating his character in my own life,” says Jenkins.

Giumarra Jr. is survived by Pamela Giumarra, his wife of 53 years; five children, John Giumarra III, Randy Giumarra and his wife Barri, Juliana Houchin and husband Clayton, Jillian Houchin and husband Morgan, Joseph Cristopher Giumarra, and 15 grandchildren.

“On behalf of the entire Giumarra and Corsaro families, I want to thank all of our friends and partners in the industry for their incredibly heartfelt outreach of love and support in the wake of my father’s passing. It has been an overwhelming tribute to the man who impacted so many lives, and it reinforces how blessed we are to be in this industry. I knew from a young age that my passion was to work with my dad, the man that I admired more so than any other. I am so blessed to have spent my entire career working by his side, learning so much, most importantly, to treat every human beings with an equal level of respect and to appreciate every day as a gift. His love for life was immeasurable, his energy near endless, his charisma infectious and his commitment to family, friends and the success of our industry his tireless goal. Our family is eternally grateful, and we will miss him dearly,” says Randy Giumarra, vice president of sales, Giumarra Vineyards Corp.       

IN MEMORIUM: CLARKE GOURLAY, LITTLE QUALICUM CHEESEWORKS & MORNINGSTAR FARM

Clarke Gourlay, founder of Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, Canada, and Morningstar Farm, a Kellogg Co. brand, Battle Creek, Mich., passed away from a mountaineering accident June 29 in Strathcona Provincial Park, Canada.

“He fell from quite a distance from Mount Donner in Strathcona Park,” says Nancy Gourlay, Clarke’s wife. “We are all of course shocked and saddened by this.”

In October 2018, Clarke was elected as RDN director of Area G, where he was a resident for more than 18 years.

“The RDN is deeply saddened by the loss of such a vibrant and engaged member of our community and of our board,” says Ian Thorpe, chairman. “We extend our sincere condolences to his family, and know that his avid contributions to the region will continue to be felt by residents for years to come.”

Clarke is survived by Nancy, his wife of 30 years; his mother Dorothy Gourlay; his sons Kevin Gourlay, John Gourlay and Raymond (and Rebecca) Gourlay; and his grandchildren Kieran and Dahlia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Campbell River Search and Rescue, Canada.

IN MEMORIUM: RICHARD MURPHY, JR., MURPHY LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS

Richard Murphy, Jr., president and CEO of Murphy Logistics Solutions, Minneapolis, passed away July 4.

Murphy, Jr. left behind a legacy that included a career in landscape architecture, including 25 years of teaching; close to three decades as an entrepreneur and business leader of Murphy Logistics Solutions; and his role as an environmental advocate and logistics industry and community leader. 

He took over the family business, which was then called Murphy Warehouse Co., at a time when it was struggling and needed a leader in the logistics field. He turned around the family business and delivered year-over-year growth. Today, the company is a growing third-party logistics provider that offers distribution, transportation, warehousing, value-added, real estate and customized business logistics services for domestic and international clients through numerous locations in Minnesota and Missouri. Other business interests include a specialized rigging/millwright firm and numerous real estate entities.

"Our family is extremely pleased with the business, and proud of the family values that he instilled in the culture. We intend to continue to operate the business as a privately held enterprise," says Alexandra Murphy, board chair. 

Murphy was a pioneer in sustainability, from planting acres of native prairies on their logistics campuses and becoming what is said to be the largest landowner in Minneapolis exempt from stormwater fees to becoming the fifth largest solar power producer in Minnesota and creating what is dubbed to be the largest fully LED-lit building in the Upper Midwest.

A licensed landscape architect, Murphy, Jr. is a past president of the American Society of Landscape Architects – MN Chapter, past chair of the global Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), chair of the Center for Transportation Studies and board member of the College of Design at the University of Michigan. In 2017, he established the Richard Murphy MLA '80 Fellowship Fund at Harvard's Graduate School of Design. He served six years on Children's Minnesota’s board, and Murphy Logistics is an annual sponsor of the hospital's Shine Bright Bash to benefit the Cancer and Blood Disorders Program. He sat on the boards of Western National Insurance Co., Harvard Graduate School of Design Alumni, the U of M Carlson School of Management's Supply Chain & Operations Advisory Board, University of St. Thomas Family Business Center and MnDOT's Transportation Policy and Economic Competitive Board. 

Murphy, Jr. is survived by his children, Alexandra (Robert), Tenner, Libby (Nils) and their daughter Frances, and Madigan (Peter); his former wife Kay Murphy; his siblings, Laurie, Patrick (Dawn), Sharon, and Maureen (Brian) Aro.

Funeral services will be held on July 12 at 10 a.m. at Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Blvd E., Wayzata, 55391.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to U of M Foundation Dept. of Landscape Architecture, P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266.