The Southeast Produce Council has appointed Tim Graas of Associated Wholesale Grocers as its next board of directors chairman for 2022-23.
The induction was made Sept. 23 during the Chairman’s Dinner Dance held at SEPC’s Southern Innovations conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
“We are very excited to have Tim as our chairman for the 2022-23 term,” said David Sherrod, SEPC president and CEO.
“Tim has proven to be an integral part of our executive team these past few years and has helped shape our goals and objectives. He is a man of strong character and someone who has compassion for others. He is a true asset to the SEPC.”
Tim’s career began at age 16 on the retail side of the grocery industry. After spending 23 years at retail, he moved to the procurement side in 2005 with Associated Wholesale Grocers. Starting as a produce specialist, he has progressed to his current position as executive director of produce field procurement, overseeing the produce procurement for nine divisions and more than 3,200 member retailers.
“I am honored to pass the gavel to Tim Graas,” said Raina Nelson, outgoing SEPC chairman of the board and member of Westfalia Fruit.
“He is a gracious and empathetic leader and has been a key contributor to our executive board. His chairman’s platform on sustainability will bring many exciting and thought-provoking content to the council’s events. I am truly looking forward to his year as SEPC chair.”
The Southeast Produce Council is a member-driven, nonprofit association of more than 3,000 leaders from the produce industry. It was formed more than 20 years ago to promote the value of fresh fruits and vegetables in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia through networking, innovation, community and education.
For more information, visit seproducecouncil.com.
