the nfi future leaders class of 2016€¦ · kristen received her mba from the dolan school of...

Future Leaders Class of 2016

The NFI Future Leaders

Class of 2016

March, 2016


Katherine is the General Counsel of Alfa International Seafood, Inc., a position she has held since 2009. Prior to that, she was a corporate and asset securitization attorney with a multinational law firm in Miami, Florida and Richmond, Virginia.

Katherine received her law degree from the University of Chicago and her bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She and her husband Santiago have two children, Santiago Jr. (8) and Cristina (6). Katherine enjoys travel, cooking, gardening and scuba diving.

“It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Katherine AlvarezGeneral Counsel, Alfa International Seafood, Inc.


Manny Alves has been with High Liner Foods since 1998. After a variety of roles which created a deep foundation in quality development and product management, Manny transitioned into global procurement in 2015. He currently manages the sourcing of shrimp and farmed salmon – two critical growth categories for High Liner Foods.

Manny graduated from Salem State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He and his wife Karyn and son Kurtis live in Danvers, MA. In his spare time, Manny enjoys scuba diving and playing the saxophone.

‘Success does not consist in never making mistakes, but in never making the same one a second time.’–George Bernard Shaw

Manny AlvesManager, Aquaculture Procurement, High Liner Foods


Faheem Bacchus joined Darden in 2008. He is responsible for the procurement and inventory management of multiple categories of seafood provided to the Darden brands.

Faheem received his bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Phoenix and currently lives in Orlando, FL.

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Faheem BacchusManager, Protein Purchasing, Darden Restaurants


Kristen Beadon is Marketing Manager- SeaPakShrimp & Seafood Co. at Rich Products Corporation. Prior to joining, she worked in Marketing at BIC USA on the lighter and writing segments.

Kristen received her MBA from the Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University and her Bachelors degree from Plymouth State University where she was the captain of the NCAA Women’s Ski Team. Kristen enjoys skiing, wake surfing, hiking with her dog and being with friends and family.

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”– Wayne Gretzky

Kristen BeadonMarketing Manager, SeaPak- Rich Products Corporation


Javier Botello has been with Americold Logistics since 1994. During his tenure Javier has held positions as Operations Manager, Director of Information & Technology for North American, General Manager and currently as Director Business Development. Prior to joining Americold Javier pursued his degree in in Business Management at California State Polytechnic University of Pomona.

Javier and his wife Lisa have two children. Javier likes spending time with his family along with hiking and playing golf.

The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities– Stephen Covey

Javier BotelloDirector Business Development Americold Logistics


Alicia Carrillo has been with Los Angeles Cold Storage since 1998. Starting in Customer Service, Alicia’s experience includes front line customer service, AR/AP, accounting specialties and warehouse services. In 2015, Alicia became a Warehouse Supervisor with responsibilities including the supervision a public frozen food warehouse that has over 120 years of history in downtown Los Angeles. Prior to joining LA Cold, Alicia worked in various customer service positions in the manufacturing industry.

Alicia is continuing her education at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut California. She and her husband Carlos, have five children, one grandchild and a classic car that keeps both her and Carlos very busy.

Alicia CarrilloWarehouse Supervisor-Los Angeles Cold Storage-4th St.

If you can’t change your fate; change your attitude.

Amy Tan


Paula Chancey has been with Tampa Maid since 2004. Prior to her career at Tampa Maid Foods, LLC, she held the position of Sales & Marketing Coordinator with Jacuzzi. She worked in the industry for ten years.

Paula is a long time resident of Valrico, FL. Outside of the office, Paula enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys volunteering with different organizations such the Brandon Foundation, Women’s Resource Center and Feeding America.

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” William James

Paula ChanceyPurchasing Agent, Tampa Maid Foods, LLC


Luis has been working at Pacific Seafood Chile´soffice since March 2015. He covers P. SeafoodChile´s purchase operations as well as logistic and product quality standards. Prior to this, he was thecommercial manager from a retail company and also served a year as a product manager from“ProChile”, a goverment institution which mission isto impulse development of chilean exportingcompanies and it´s offer. Luis was recieved as a commercial engenieer from Los Andes University at Santiago, Chile.

He likes to spend his time-off at the beach with hiswife, family and friends.

“Go big, enjoy life”- Laird Hamilton.

Luis ClaroExport manager. Pacific Seafood.


Harry Collis has been with Eastern since 2010. Prior to joining EF, he was a real estate agent in Northern New Jersey and worked for Whole Foods.

Harry attended William Paterson University. He enjoys crossfit and nutrition as well as spending time with his family.

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. –Wayne Gretzky

Harry CollisDirector, Vendor Managed Inventory, Eastern Fish LLC.


Tom Dorwart has been with Trident Seafoods since May of 2005. Prior to joining Trident, he earned his bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida.

Tom lives in Tampa, FL with his fiancé and plans to be married in Spring of 2017. Tom enjoys being active especially around water or playing sports.

The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. – Vince Lombardi

Tom Dorwart Southeast Regional Sales Manager, Trident Seafoods


Amanda Duran has been with Seattle Fish since March of 2015. Previously she worked in the Natural meat industry for 14 years. Most recently with Niman Ranch as their Director of Business Development.

Amanda received her bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Colorado where she majored in Business. Amanda and her husband love to travel, and stay active on the weekends playing various sports.

We are not just passive consumers of food but co-creators of the systems that feed us. Our food dollars can either go to support a food industry devoted to quantity, convenience and "value" or they can

nourish a food chain organized around values like quality and health.Michael Pollan

Amanda DuranDirector of Sales, Seattle Fish Company – Denver, Co


Kevin began his career with SGS in 2000. Prior to joining SGS, he was with several, privately-held companies in the roles of Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Financial Management.

Kevin received his bachelor's degree from Emory University, and his MBA from Duke University. He and his wife Susan have two children. Kevin enjoys tennis, field & stream sports and spending time with his family.

Chance favors only the prepared mind. – Louis Pasteur

Kevin EdwardsBusiness Development, Global Food, SGS North America


Heath England has been with The Fishin’ Company since 2010 working in Category Management and Systems. Previously Heath spent 12 years in the communications industry.

Heath received his bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University. He and his wife Denise have two children. Heath enjoys playing drums and woodworking on the weekends.

If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. –anonymous

Heath EnglandChief Information Officer, The Fishin’ Company


Matthew Gray has been with Saeplast since 2015. Prior to joining Saeplast, he was with Food Process Solutions and a small business owner.

Matthew is married to his best friend Angela and is a proud father of three children. In his free time, you may find him working out at the gym, watching UFC or making memories with his family.

We build too many walls and not enough bridges. – Isaac Newton

Matthew GraySales Manager Southeast, Saeplast (Promens)


Chad Groves has spent ten years within the foodservice business joining High Liner Foods in 2015 as Director of Sales for Foodservice. Chad launched his career at Sunny Fresh Foods, a division of Cargill with his most recent role as a Divisional Sales Leader for Cargill Foodservice.

Chad completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Purdue University in Selling and Sales Management. Chad currently resides in Carmel, Indiana with his wife, Chrissy and two children Kate (4) and Gabby (2).

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”– John Wooden

Chad GrovesDirector of Field Sales - Foodservice – High Liner Foods


Peter Handy has been with Bristol Seafood since 2014. Prior to joining Bristol, Peter started and sold a shipping and logistics company, and also worked in financial services.

Peter received his BS from the University of Pennsylvania and lives in Maine with his wife and two daughters.

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. – Winston Churchill

Peter HandyPresident & CEO, Bristol Seafood


Brad Hudson has been with American Holdco Group since 2015.

Brad received his bachelors degree from UNC Charlotte and his MBA from UNC Chapel Hill.

An open mouth gathers no information. (Richard Helms)

Brad HudsonDirector of Business Development – American Holdco Group


Phillip has been with Bay Hill Seafood for 5 years. Prior to that he worked as a Realtor in North Carolina and still holds his NC Real Estate license. Phillip has an extensive background in the grocery industry having made key account calls and managed regional business with a food broker in Charlotte, NC

Phillip graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He and his wife Dena have 2 children and live in Greensboro, NC. Phillip enjoys sports of all kinds, going to the beach and spending time with his family.

The cure for anything is salt water — sweat, tears, or the sea. ~ Karen Blixen

Phillip JeffreyDirector of Sales and Marketing – Bay Hill Seafood Sales


Madelyn Kearns has been with SeafoodSourcesince May 2015. Prior to joining the SS.com editorial team, she worked for HIMSS Media writing about healthcare.

Maddie earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Mass Communication from the University of Maine. She is an avid reader, and won’t apologize for loving 80’s music.

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today. – James Dean

Madelyn KearnsAssociate Editor, SeafoodSource.com


Jeri Kostal has been working for Rich Products for 10 months. Before Jeri joined the Rich’s team, she worked for United Pet Group (now known as Pet, Home & Garden).

Jeri received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Virginia Tech in Food Science and Technology. She has two dogs, which she loves to take for walks on the beach. She also enjoys cooking, baking, and relaxing on the beach with a good book.

“With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” - Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

Jeri KostalFood Technologist I, SeaPak Division, Rich Products


Prior to joining Great American Steven worked for Sysco Foods both at the corporate and operating companies.

Steven enjoys reading and biking in his spare time.

Steven LenosDirector Global Sourcing, Great American Seafood


I have been with FW Bryce since 2006 where I have had the opportunity to be exposed to many different sides of the business outside of my normal role, including running the Seafood Expo for Nissui, working with our suppliers on Quality Assurance initiatives and most recently becoming more involved with the operational side of our business.

I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelors degree in 2005 and have since received my MBA. I was born and raised in Gloucester, MA and have spent most of my life here. I am married and have a two year old daughter and a 5 year old Golden Retriever.

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, but the one most responsive to change. -Charles Darwin

Kerry LewisHuman Resource/Marketing Manager, F.W. Bryce, Inc.


Brandon has been with Trident Seafoods since 2014. Prior to joining Trident, he was with TalkingRainBeverage Co., ConAgra Foods, and served in the United States Navy.

Brandon received his bachelor's degree from University of Washington. Him and his wife Amanda have one child. Brandon enjoys being active and spending time with his family.

Do the right thing every time. – Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Burns

Brandon LundyManager, Sales Operations & Planning, Trident Seafoods


Hilary Nyberg has been with Orca Bay Seafoodssince early 2015. Prior to working at Orca Bay, Hilary worked as a production manager at Aleutia INC, a Native Aleut salmon cooperative in Sand Point, Alaska.

Hilary received her bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University in 2010. She lives in Tacoma, WA and enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors.

“Any-fin is possible if you don’t trout yourself.” -Anonymous

Hilary NybergSoutheast Regional Sales Manager, Orca Bay Seafoods


Trey Oswalt has been with Harvest Select since May of 2013. Prior to joining the Harvest Select team, Trey worked as a real estate appraiser and was a cheerleading instructor for The Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA).

Trey majored in Human Exercise Science at The University of Alabama. He was a member of the nationally ranked cheer program for 3 years while attending UA.

"What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise." --Oscar Wilde

Trey OswaltRegional Sales Manager, Harvest Select


Dana Pimentel has been with Slade Gorton since 2011. She has worked in Operations and various positions in QA, and is currently the QA Plant Supervisor for the Boston plant.

Dana received her bachelor's degree from Salem State University. Dana enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. – Henry Ford

Dana PimentelQA Supervisor, Slade Gorton & Co., Inc.


Adriana Sánchez has been with Sea Delight, LLC since 2010. Prior to joining Sea Delight, she was the Assistant to the Executive Director of the International Center at the University of Florida.

Adriana received a B.A. in Political Science and a M.A in Latin American Studies from the University of Florida. She loves spending time with her two children and working in the family business.

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand (Novelist/Philosopher)

Adriana SánchezDirector, Sustainability, Sea Delight, LLC


Dennis Schreiber has been with (in various positions/locations) since 2001. Prior to joining BAADER, he was mandatory serving for the German Army and worked as skilled precision mechanic.

Dennis went through a cooperative education program (“BAADER” + University “Nordakademie”) and graduated as Industrial Engineer in Germany. He and his wife Britta have two young children. Dennis enjoys discovering foreign countries & cultures, exercise and spending time with his family.

Everyone said : This is not possible. Then someone came who did not know that is was impossible and just did it. –Goran Kikic

Dennis SchreiberCEO/MD, Baader North America Corporation


Ben Schwartz has been with Harbor Seafood since May of 2015. Prior to joining Harbor, he was with the National Fish & Seafood, High Liner Foods and Biomarine, Inc.

Ben studied Chemistry and Spanish at Merrimack College. He still resides in his home town of Gloucester, MA. Ben enjoys traveling, staying active, and constantly challenging himself.

The best way to predict your future is to create it. – Abraham Lincoln

Ben SchwartzManager, Quality Assurance, Harbor Seafood, Inc.


Juan Segura has been with Agro since 2013. Prior to joining Agro, he successfully began his first startup in the online retail industry bringing him invaluable sales and marketing experience.

Juan was born in Armenia, Colombia. With Spanish as his first language, he earned his bachelor's degree in International business from Kennesaw State University (GA).

Juan loves playing soccer and enjoys spending time with his family, and traveling.

“Success occurs when your dreams get bigger than your excuses”

Juan Felipe SeguraSales Manager, Agro America


Chris Skraba has been with Preferred since 2011. Prior to coming to Preferred he spent 5 years with a 3PL focusing on dry LTL/TL freight and light package services.

Chris graduated from the University of La Verne with a bachelors degree in International Business and Language. He and his wife Kira were just married in 2015 and they enjoy being active outdoors and have a passion for travel.

“Winning isn’t a sometimes thing; its an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while, you don’t do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit.” – Vince Lombardi

Chris SkrabaRegional Sales Manager – Preferred Freezer Services Logistics


Miguel Suarez has been with the Fortune Fish & Gourmet company since 2007. Prior to joining Fortune Fish, he managed several food service establishment’s in the Chicago land area.

Miguel was born and raised in Chicago. He currently lives in a suburb of Chicago with his wife Margelene and their two children. Miguel enjoys sports, outdoor activities and having fun with his family.

You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them. – Michael Jordan

Miguel SuarezNight Sales Manager, Fortune Fish & Gourmet


Dan Sullivan has been with UniSea since 2013. Prior to joining UniSea, he served in the US Army.

Dan received his bachelor's degree from The United States Military Academy at West Point. He and his wife Lindsay have one child. Dan enjoys motorcycles, yardwork, and family time!

“I’ve been driving a Lincoln since long before anybody paid me to drive one.”

– Matthew McConaughey

Dan SullivanSales Manager, UniSea, Inc.


Ernesto Tagle started with Newport International in 2015. He has 14 years in the seafood industry between Choice Canning and Contessa Premium Foods.

Ernesto was honorably discharged from the US Air Force before he started his career in foodservice. His wife and him added a new addition to their family in December. Ernesto enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and golfing.

The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it. – Theodore Roosevelt

Ernesto TagleDirector of Sales, Foodservice


Ryan Tanaka has been with Bumble Bee Seafoods since 2007. Prior to joining Bumble Bee Seafoods, he was with Cadbury Schweppes and prior to that Advantage Solutions.

Ryan received his bachelor's degree from The University of California at Santa Barbara. He and his wife Mia have two children. Ryan enjoys spending time with his family and being part of new experiences with his children.

What you do today can improve all your tomorrows. – Ralph Marston

Ryan TanakaDirector, Category Insights, Bumble Bee Seafoods


Peter Wakeman has been with Cannon Fish Company since 2011. Before joining the Cannon team, he worked as a fish monger at the Wild Salmon Seafood Market in Seattle’s Fisherman’s Terminal.

Peter earned a bachelor of science from the University of Washington in Economics, and is an avid Husky fan. He and his wife Liz live in Seattle and have a two year old hound mix named Bandit.

Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch. - Orson Welles

Peter WakemanNational Sales Representative, Cannon Fish Company


Jennifer Wandler has been with US Foods since 2012. Prior to joining US Foods, she was with the Ace Hardware Corp. and Topco Associates in multiple category management and analytics functions.

Jennie received her bachelor's degree from Illinois State University. She and her husband James have two daughters.

"There is no passion to be found playing small --in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."-- Nelson Mandela, political activist and president of South Africa

Jennie Wandler Director, Category Management- Seafood, US Foods


Nicole West has been working for Urner Barry for two years. She started at Urner Barry doing account management and took on the fresh seafood market reporting in 2015. She came to Urner Barry with 4 years B2B sales experience.

She graduated with honors from West Virginia University. She got married in November and lives by the ocean with her husband. She spends most of her spare time cooking & hosting parties for her friends and family at her beach house.

Just do it. Nike

Nicole West Seafood Market Reporter, Account Manager-Urner Barry


Gary has been with WFC since 2015. Prior to that he was with Whitley Peanut Factory for 10 years and Smithfield Foods for 14 years on both the operational and sales management side. Gary studied Business Management at Francis Marion University and Christopher Newport University.

He is the proud father of three teenagers who keep him busy on and off the athletic field.

Gary WeaverOperations Manager, Wanchese Fish Company


Steve Yeomans has been with King & Prince Seafood since 2012. Prior to that, he was Director of Transportation and Logistics for GE and Ford Motor Company .

Steve received his Masters degree from Cleary University in Ypsilanti Michigan. He and his wife Kathy have two children. In his spare time Steve enjoys woodworking enjoys and spending time with his family.

The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing. – Charles C. Ryrie

Steve YeomansLogistics Manager, King & Prince Seafood

the nfi future leaders class of 2016€¦ · kristen received her mba from the dolan school of...

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