PMA Selects Former V.P. to Lead Education Foundation
NEWARK, Del. -- The Produce Marketing Association (PMA), based here, has named a former PMA v.p. as the executive director of its newly established tax-exempt education foundation.
Cindy Seel, a seasoned executive with 20 years of association experience, was confirmed as the first staff executive during the education foundation's board of directors meeting, held in Wilmington, Del. last week. Seel, who previously worked in executive positions for PMA from 1997 to 2002, began her new role yesterday.
Said PMA president Bryan Silbermann: "[Seel's appointment] demonstrates PMA's commitment as a leader of the produce industry and our commitment to building the industry's future, a task that is surely among the most important for any organization looking beyond the horizon."
Commenting on her new role, Seel noted: "It's great to be back in the produce industry. I will enjoy reconnecting with old friends and building new relationships that will help advance the education goals of the foundation."
PMA's education foundation was incorporated in late 2005 and has just received its tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and its activities will be supported by tax-deductible contributions. The foundation's new board of directors will take office in San Diego this October when it meets during PMA's Fresh Summit. Prospective directors are currently being contacted with invitations to serve.
The foundation's objectives are to help industry professionals define their career paths, attract new talent into the industry, and ensure that the industry has the information it needs to remain competitive. The foundation has two student scholarship programs currently operating and is working with several colleges and universities nationwide. The student programs are the Pack Family/PMA Career Pathways Fund, which enables produce marketing students to participate in PMA's annual Fresh Summit, and the Nucci Scholarship for Culinary Innovation, which gives future chefs the opportunity to become familiar with the variety of ways fresh fruits and vegetables can be incorporated into foodservice through their participation in PMA's annual Foodservice Conference.
Cindy Seel, a seasoned executive with 20 years of association experience, was confirmed as the first staff executive during the education foundation's board of directors meeting, held in Wilmington, Del. last week. Seel, who previously worked in executive positions for PMA from 1997 to 2002, began her new role yesterday.
Said PMA president Bryan Silbermann: "[Seel's appointment] demonstrates PMA's commitment as a leader of the produce industry and our commitment to building the industry's future, a task that is surely among the most important for any organization looking beyond the horizon."
Commenting on her new role, Seel noted: "It's great to be back in the produce industry. I will enjoy reconnecting with old friends and building new relationships that will help advance the education goals of the foundation."
PMA's education foundation was incorporated in late 2005 and has just received its tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and its activities will be supported by tax-deductible contributions. The foundation's new board of directors will take office in San Diego this October when it meets during PMA's Fresh Summit. Prospective directors are currently being contacted with invitations to serve.
The foundation's objectives are to help industry professionals define their career paths, attract new talent into the industry, and ensure that the industry has the information it needs to remain competitive. The foundation has two student scholarship programs currently operating and is working with several colleges and universities nationwide. The student programs are the Pack Family/PMA Career Pathways Fund, which enables produce marketing students to participate in PMA's annual Fresh Summit, and the Nucci Scholarship for Culinary Innovation, which gives future chefs the opportunity to become familiar with the variety of ways fresh fruits and vegetables can be incorporated into foodservice through their participation in PMA's annual Foodservice Conference.