PMA Names New VP of Food Safety

Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has named a new VP of food safety. 

Trevor Suslow, Ph.D., will join PMA in October to advocate for a science-based approach to food safety and work with researchers to facilitate produce safety best practices. He will also represent PMA on the Center for Produce Safety’s (CPS) Technical Committee, on which he has served since its start. 

PMA CEO Cathy Burns described Suslow as being "well-known and respected among the industry and safety circles. Trevor brings an incredibly deep knowledge base, insights and ideas that complement the leadership PMA has taken on food safety. His perspectives and connections will help us fulfill our mission and vision to grow a healthier world for industry and consumers alike." 

Suslow joins PMA from the University of California-Davis, where he has been acting as extension research specialist, researching, advising and educating industry and other stakeholders on postharvest safety and quality.

Suslow earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, and master’s and doctorate degrees in plant pathology from the University of California-Berkeley. Suslow helped found DNA Plant Technology Inc., an early agricultural biotechnology company, where he worked as a staff scientist and director of product research. He joined UC-Davis in 1995 and has led the university’s Postharvest Technology Center since 2016.

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“At this point in my career, I feel this position will provide me the platform to have the greatest impact on technical leadership for PMA members, the broader industry and affiliated stakeholders, as well as best serve the produce industry’s commitment to protect consumers around the globe,” said Suslow.