Kraft Heinz appoints new CEO, UNFI elects new director, and more personnel shifts
ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS: The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), Arlington, Va. Megan Costello was promoted to chief operating officer. Costello started with GCCA in 2013 as vice president of member programs and services, responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the organization. Her efforts led to the association’s international growth, including new offices in Europe, Brazil and South Africa. Costello maintains more than 25 years of association experience, including as managing director of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives. And, Catharine Perry was promoted to vice president of member programs and services. Perry has worked for GCCA since 2012, expanding the WFLO Institute to three locations and increasing attendance by 30% to 500 participants. Perry also launched multiple workforce development initiatives under the strategic plan and a future leader recognition program on four continents. She maintains 11 years of experience in associations, including with the Animal Agriculture Alliance and the National FFA Organization.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Denver, Colo.
Kendal Frazier, chief executive officer, announced plans to retire, effective Dec. 31, after 34 years with the company. Frazier's career began as a farm broadcaster before serving as director of communications for Kansas Livestock Association. He then joined the National Cattlemen’s Association (NCA), predecessor organization to NCBA, and when NCA merged with the National Live Stock and Meat Board in 1996, Frazier was a member of the team who worked with staff and beef industry volunteer leaders to address a steep decline in demand. Frazier was also instrumental in helping secure the passage of the checkoff referendum and worked to secure resources for the first checkoff-funded public relations and issues management work conducted by NCBA as a contractor to the Beef Checkoff in 1998. During his tenure as CEO, he improved domestic and international demand for beef.
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), Madison, Wis. Dave Buholzer, treasurer of Klondike Cheese Co., was elected president of the board of directors, effective July 1. Steve Bechel, vice president of operations for Eau Galle Cheese Factory, will serve as first vice president, while Chris Sandretti, vice president of ERP division lead for Saputo Cheese USA will serve as second vice president. Mike Neu, senior vice president of business development, food production for Chr. Hansen, was elected treasurer, and Greg Siegenthaler, vice president milk marketing and supply chain for Grande Cheese Co., was elected secretary. Mike Hinrichsen, vice president of manufacturing for Associated Milk Producers, Inc.; Randy LaGrander, owner of LaGrander’s Hillside Dairy; Tim Omer, president and managing director of Emmi Roth USA; and Mike Sipple, vice president technical services of Agropur Inc., will join the 2019-20 board of directors. Retiring from the board are current president Kim Heiman, co-owner of Nasonville Dairy; current first vice president Kerry Henning, master cheesemaker of Henning’s Cheese; Kyle Jensen, vice president and general manager of Hilmar Cheese; Jeff Kent, senior vice president cheese and butter for Foremost Farms USA; and Matt Zimbric, senior director of cheese technology for Foremost Farms USA.