IFPA announces Board of Directors slate for 2027

WASHINGTON, August 14, 2026 – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) BB #:378962 has announced the slate of new officers and directors for the 2027 IFPA Board of Directors.

These volunteer leaders will be confirmed by a ballot shared with membership and begin their board service at the 2026 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show, October 14-16, in Orlando, Florida.  

The IFPA Board of Directors is guided by the Executive Committee, which will be led in 2027 by current Chair-Elect Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms. Current Board Chair Professor Patrick Vizzone, Founder and Managing Partner of AgroNovare will assume the role of Immediate Past Board Chair.
During the Global Produce & Floral Show, Lipman and Vizzone will share their reflections on year two of IFPA’s strategic plan, highlighting key milestones reached on behalf of IFPA members across the worldwide produce and floral community.

Lipman and Vizzone are joined by fellow Executive Committee members 2027 Chair-Elect Mohammed Abbas, President and COO, Del Monte Corporation; Board Treasurer Mark Campion, President of Retail for Taylor Farms; Board Secretary and Sustainability Council Chair Adrielle Dankier, CEO of Nature’s Pride; and at-large Executive Committee member and U.S. Council Chair Steve Grinstead, Executive Chairman, FreshEdge.

“It is a true honor to step into the role of IFPA Board Chair at a time when our industry’s purpose has never been more clear or more important,” said 2026 Chair-Elect Elyse Lipman. “Every day, the fresh produce and floral community helps nourish families, bring beauty and joy to people around the world, strengthen economies, and advance a more sustainable tomorrow. IFPA’s mission is to help this extraordinary industry go even further — by removing barriers, elevating our voice through advocacy, sharing the insights that help businesses grow, and bringing our global community together around the challenges and opportunities we share. I am deeply grateful for the commitment of our volunteer leaders, and I look forward to working alongside IFPA’s members and staff to champion fresh, support our industry, and create lasting impact for the world we serve.”

The new Board slate for 2027 is:    

• Brazil Council Chair: Luiz Roberto Barcelos, Partner Director, Agricola Famosa Ltd. 
• Europe Council Chair: Marc Evrard, Director, Belgian Fruit Valley (BFV)
• Foundation for Fresh Produce Chair: Laura Himes, Vice President of Global Sourcing, Produce, Walmart 
• Mexico Council Chair: Inés Masallach, Chief Marketing Officer, Imalinx, SA de CV
• Supply Chain Chair: Michael Laws, Managing Partner, Laws Logistics

At-Large Representatives:  

• Tracy Duda Chapman, Sr. Vice President/Chief Legal & Administrative Officer, A. Duda & Sons, Inc.
• Kevin Doty, Director of Produce, Whole Foods Markets
• Eric Fernandez, General Manager, Continental Flowers
• Kim Gray, Chief Merchant, Schnuck Markets Inc.
• Stefanie Katzman, CEO, Katzman
• Sheila McCann-Morrison, Chief Supply Officer, Fyffes International SA
• Liz Van Niekerk, Head of Trade, Produce & Floral, Marks & Spencer UK  

Board directors completing their service in Orlando are:  

• Steve Alaerts, Director, foodcareplus NV
• Hein Deprez, Executive Director of the Board, Greenyard
• Dr. Elliott Grant, Cambridge University Institute for Manufacturing
• Alex Lee, Commercial Director, Speciale Comercio de Alimentos Ltda.
• Lam Lin, Group Strategy Lead, Joy Wing Mau Group
• Anna Lopez, Vice President of Produce, Bakery, and Blooms, H-E-B
• Ruth McLennan, Managing Director, Market District and Fresh Merchandising, Giant Eagle
• Adelina Metovieda, CEO, Zeliotech S. De R.L. De C.V.
• Bas Pellenaars, Commercial Director, Dümmen Orange
• Rodolfo Spielmann
• Chip Walker, President and CEO, SSi LLC/PRO*ACT

Six continents are represented on the IFPA Board, emphasizing a strong diversity of sectors and business focus. 

About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our members’ prosperity by conducting advocacy, connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence. IFPA represents member companies from small family businesses to the largest international corporations throughout the global fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.

Contact: Ashley Sempowski, media@freshproduce.com, (202) 303-3406