PMA names vice president of food safety, technology
Jim Gorny has been hired to fill the new position of vice president of food safety and technology for the Produce Marketing Association.
In his role, he will strengthen PMA’s initiatives to build member value in the areas of science and technology, including food safety research, biotechnology, agricultural innovations, process and packaging technology and environmental sustainability. In addition, Gorny will continue his long-standing role with the Center for Produce Safety at the University of California at Davis.
“Since 2008, PMA has been investing resources in the area of science and technology as part of a long-term strategy to provide members with essential value as the industry’s needs continue to evolve,” said Jan DeLyser, vice president of marketing for the California Avocado Commission and chairman of PMA’s board of directors. “Jim’s passion and industry expertise complements and further strengthens our dynamic, talented, and highly-respected staff team – and his hiring comes at a time when PMA’s role of informing and educating diverse audiences, including regulators and researchers, has become increasingly important.”
Most recently, Gorny was senior advisor for the Office of Food Safety at FDA, where he advised staff on policies and programs affecting the safety of fresh produce. Prior to his role at FDA, Gorny was the executive director of the Postharvest Technology Research and Information Center at the University of California, Davis. He also served as senior vice president of food safety and technology for the United Fresh Produce Association/International Fresh-Cut Produce Association, which merged in 2006. He received his Ph. D in plant biology from the University of California at Davis and his bachelor’s and master degrees in food science from Louisiana State University.
Gorny joins the team with Johnna Hepner, director of food safety, Ed Treacy, vice president of supply chain efficiencies, and will report to Whitaker. After an initial orientation phase at PMA’s headquarters in Newark, Del., Gorny will return to his home base in California.
