Recipients for Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence announced

Kellen Stailey and Patrick Morris have been selected to receive the fourth annual Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence awarded by the Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent. Stailey, senior manager of sales and marketing for Sunshine Bouquet Company in Dayton, N.J., and Morris, produce buyer for Rouses Supermarkets in Thibodaux, La., will receive scholarships for use in 2012 from the program. Unveiled in October 2008, the Tip Murphy scholarship covers registration fees and associated hotel expenses for any one of Produce Marketing Association’s or PMA Foundation’s professional development events. “I am both excited and honored to be awarded the Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence. This opportunity to apply for the Emerging Leaders Program at Thunderbird School of Global Management will allow me to experience the dynamic educational programs developed by this globally renowned graduate school,” says Stailey. “It makes me proud to represent Sunshine Bouquet Company and I look forward to improving my leadership skills at a time when we face complex challenges in the international floriculture industry.” “I would like to thank those involved in the selection process for the Tip Murphy Scholarship.  It is a great honor to be selected and recognized as an emerging leader in the produce industry,” says Morris.  “Having the opportunity to meet and interact with other leaders in this industry will be a great thrill and one that I am really looking forward to. I will definitely do my best to live up to the scholarship’s namesake, Tip Murphy, as a leader for years to come in the industry.” The scholarship is funded by supporters of the Tip Murphy Legacy Fund, a restricted account established by friends and colleagues of Murphy to honor his life and career. The fund and scholarship program are managed by PMA FIT, as part of the foundation's mission to attract, develop and retain talent for the produce industry. “Both Kellen’s and Patrick’s applications demonstrated the character, leadership and commitment to the industry that epitomizes Tip Murphy and the scholarship in his name,” says Margi Prueitt, executive director of PMA Foundation. "We’re thrilled that the Tip Murphy golf committee volunteers have been successful building the fund to allow for two scholarships for the second time, and we hope to continue expanding this program to benefit more of our young leaders in the future.” For more information about the scholarship or to apply, visit www.pmafit.com.