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ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS: Produce Marketing Association (PMA), Newark, Del. Vonnie Estes will join as vice president of technology, effective Oct. 1, tasked with engaging with PMA’s members and industry, coalitions and other stakeholders to provide supply chains with science- and technology-specific connections, information and solutions. Specifically, she will help PMA members to gain greater awareness and understanding of emerging science and technologies related to labor, food safety and sustainability. Estes’ capabilities range from agricultural biotechnology, including CRISPR Cas9 plant breeding, artificial intelligence, Big Data, indoor agriculture, precision agriculture, biofuels and bio-based chemicals and products. She also maintains business expertise in business strategy, government and public affairs, marketing, business development and finance. Since 2015, she has been an independent business consultant, guiding global clients in developing and implementing strategies to commercialize and realize value from new technologies and other innovations. Estes previously held technology leadership roles at DuPont, Monsanto and Syngenta, as well as small startups and venture funds. Most recently, she was vice president of business development for Caribou Biosciences. Trevor Suslow will also join as vice president of produce safety, effective Oct. 1.
Association of American Railroads (AAR), Washington, D.C. Adrian Arnakis was named senior vice president of government affairs, replacing Ian Jefferies, as he transitions into his new role as the organization’s next president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2019. Arnakis maintains more than 13 years of Senate experience, where she established herself as a policy leader and trusted advisor on transportation and infrastructure issues. Since 2016, Arnakis has served as deputy staff director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation under Chairman John Thune (R-SD), where she secured the enactment of more than 50 laws, most recently, the 5-year FAA Reauthorization. Prior to this, Arnakis served as the committee’s counsel and policy director of surface transportation and oceans from 2013-2015, where she led the team that wrote, negotiated and secured enactment of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Additionally, Arnakis served as a key aide on aviation issues for the Senate Commerce Committee as well as legislative counsel in Senator Thune’s personal office.
Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), Washington, D.C. Ernie Farley, partner at Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, was elected as new board chair. Farley has held many production, sales and management roles in the produce industry, specifically in tomatoes, kiwis and strawberries in both the United States and Mexico. Farley has been with Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce for 15 years, and has served as chairman of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. And, Carol Schrader, technology consultant and former software executive, was elected vice-chair of the EFI board of directors. Schrader joined the board in 2017. She has held a variety of management roles with start-up technology companies, where she has specialized in raising capital, strategic planning, marketing and executive management across the produce supply chain, including farmworker organizations, growers, retailers, consumer advocates and independent business executives.