Gorny to Join PMA's Science and Technology Team

NEWARK, Del. - The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has announced that Dr. Jim Gorny has joined the association in the new position of vice president of food safety and technology. In this role, Gorny 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, the association said.

Gorny will also continue his long-standing role with the Center for Produce Safety at the University of California, 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 experience 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."

Gorny joins the team with Johnna Hepner, director of food safety, Ed Treacy, vice president of supply chain efficiencies, and will report to Dr. Bob Whitaker, chief science and technology officer.

"Jim's addition to the team is another step in an ongoing effort to respond to the needs of our members with the creation of relevant value," said Whitaker. "This is another part of PMA's educational focus, not only in food safety, but in science and technology. It also connects directly to our strategic initiatives to develop industry talent and globalize PMA's science and technology practice."

Most recently, Gorny was senior advisor for the Office of Food Safety at the US Food and Drug Administration (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.