Dominick's Taps Produce Director
Finer Foods here has named Steve Kinishi director of produce merchandising.
He assumes the duties formerly held by Bob DiPiazza as vice president of produce. DiPiazza was recently named group vice president of perishables at Dominick's.
Kinishi was most recently produce and floral buyer and merchandiser for the Omni Superstore division of Dominick's.
Smith Leaves Price Chopper
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Rick Smith has resigned his position as vice president of produce at Price Chopper Supermarkets here.
According to a Price Chopper spokeswoman, Smith has taken the position of director of produce merchandising with the Seattle division of Safeway. Safeway officials did not return calls seeking comment. Price Chopper has not yet named a replacement for Smith, the spokeswoman said.
Herding Fills A&P-Atlanta Post
ATLANTA -- The A&P division here has named Roger Herding director of produce merchandising. He succeeds David Bromley, who was named a district manager.
Herding was previously vice president of the chain's Carolina division. He reports to Rich Flaherty, vice president of sales and merchandising. A&P is headquartered in Montvale, N.J.
Staff Changes Made by United
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association has announced several staff appointments. Sarah Delea, formerly director of public affairs, has been named vice president of communications, a new position. In her new role, she will continue to oversee United's media relations and crisis management programs, as well as industry communications and publishing functions.
Molly Machamer, formerly director of industry relations, has been named vice president of education programs, a new position. Machamer is responsible for developing the goals and objectives for the association's education seminars and materials, as well as working with the staff and industry divisions to gain input and participation.
Caren Schumacher, vice president of communications and marketing, has assumed the role of vice president of member services and marketing. In her new capacity, Schumacher handles all member-related activities and oversees and manages United's annual convention.
Sheena Kuruvilla, formerly manager of international trade and industry relations, has been named director of international trade, a new position. Kuruvilla will now devote a full-time focus to the international area.
Margo Rash, formerly communications and marketing assistant, has been named director of member services. She is responsible for member recruitment and retention.
The staff appointments follow the announcement that Kathy Shanahan, vice president of education and membership, will work part-time for United following the birth of her second child in June. Shanahan's new duties will primarily involve working on board-related activities.
United is also looking for someone to fill a new position: director of regulatory and scientific affairs.
"The produce industry's challenges in the regulatory arena continue to grow, including concerns relating to [Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point], pesticide reform, nutrition labeling requirements, health claims and more," said Tom Stenzel, president of United.
"In order to strongly represent our industry's interests, United will increase its expertise in managing these technical and regulatory issues."
