Grower-Shipper Association Foundation Hires Executive Director

Salinas, CA (July 20, 2012) – The Grower-Shipper Association Foundation (Foundation) has hired David Bonetti as its Executive Director. Mr. Bonetti began his employment with the Foundation on July 16, 2012. His position will focus on building programs and the Foundation’s capacity to serve the community.

Mr. Bonetti joins the Foundation following seven years with Fresh Kist Produce, where he held the position of Chief Operating Officer, and most recently has been active with the Rhett Bell Foundation. Previously, he had held leadership positions in the strawberry and finance industries.

Emmett Linder, President of the Grower-Shipper Association Foundation Board of Directors, foresees a substantial increase in community services generated by the Foundation due to this staff addition. “Over the past few years the Foundation has expanded its programs and capacity. Our board agreed that now was the time to hire an Executive Director who can elevate the Foundation as a community resource and agricultural education leader,” Linder said. “David’s substantial experience in agri-business and his community mindedness made him an outstanding choice for the position.”

The Foundation is a public-benefit organization dedicated to providing the public factual and educational information about the agricultural industry and giving back to the community it serves. This non-profit organization helps support local educational, training, scholarship and leadership programs, community outreach and philanthropic endeavors. Specific leadership programs include, AgKnowledge and Budding Farmers, in addition to an annual A Greater Vision seminar for the community and the Foundation’s newest program, More Produce in Schools, focused on meeting local schools’ meal program produce needs to encourage healthier lifestyles among local students.