Eileen Shay is now a leader. Actually as senior account executive for The Packer I’d guess she already was one. But now she’s graduated from United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association’s Produce Industry Leadership Program. She was one of 12 distinguished leaders from the produce industry to be part of the 2005-2006 class, and the first person from The Packer to participate.

In addition to expert advice and hands-on training, participants in the Produce Industry Leadership Program advance their knowledge and expertise in the field through trips, customized facility tours and expert-guided workshops based on the program’s four core goals: leadership development, business relationships, government and public affairs, and media and public communications.

“It was an incredible experience being part of this unique program,” Shay said. “We were exposed to a variety of issues in a wide range of settings where I formed relationships and made contacts with people who I might not otherwise have had the opportunity to meet.”

Since 1995, the Produce Industry Leadership Program has trained and graduated more than 120 alums who have continued careers in leadership roles in their respective fields. The program is presented by United’s Research & Education Foundation and sponsored by an educational grant from DuPont Crop Protection.