Carey F. Cooper, CPA, JD - Strategy and Methodology
Carey Cooper has led several organizations through significant growth and development with a defined plan and course of action. With an undergraduate degree in Accounting at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, Carey completed his formal education with distinctions of CPA and JD. After practicing corporate law, Carey flourished in his role as President of Redi-Cut Foods, the largest regional processor in the fresh-cut produce industry. Having developed a passion for the industry and the need for continued progress, he actively participated in the International Food Processors Association and the McDonald's International Supplier Advisory Council, as well as chairing the McDonald's Produce Council.Recognized as a community and business leader, Carey has accepted invitations to join the World President's Organization, the Young President's Organization, The National Fragile X Foundation Board of Directors, and The Cove School Board of Trustees.
James M. Schallman - Operations and Customer Relations
Jim Schallman completed a specialized degree program in Franchising and Business Entrepreneurship from the College of Commerce at the University of University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. He took this unique training and began his professional career with McDonald's Corporation. While at McDonald's, he developed expertise in the areas of systems and multi-unit management. Jim was involved in the introduction and assessment of new test-market products, as well as development of productivity and profitability systems. He brought his wealth of operations experience and unique understanding of product needs of the restaurant industry to Redi-Cut Foods, Inc., the largest regional processor in the United States. Jim offers multi-dimensional experience in operations and sales and understands what is required for successful and innovative product development to support the success of the customer.Involved in professional and community organizations, Jim has served as Chairperson of the McDonald's Produce Council, is involved in the annual Multiple Sclerosis walk, and actively supports the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the Chicagoland area.
Stiles Anderson - Business Analysis and Data Management
Stiles Anderson supports the business operations analysis, data management, and financial modeling and evaluation aspects of Danaco Solutions. Stiles' prior experience as a financial analyst with Merrill Lynch, coupled with his small business acumen, makes him an integral part of the day-to-day operations of Danaco. Stiles is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a business degree in Finance.
Brian Jameson - Procurement
Brian Jameson has worked in raw material procurement for the past thirteen years. After five years as a Raw Material Specialist for Dole Fresh Vegetables, Brian joined Fresh Express in 2000, where he served as the Director of Raw Material Replenishment. In 2005, Brian joined Ready Pac Produce as the Vice President of Raw Material Procurement. He has been responsible for the development of many supply chain initiatives as well as process improvements at each company he has worked at. Brian holds a BA from CSUC and current lives in the Salinas Area.Erin Church – Procurement
Erin Church comes to Danaco with a broad background in the produce industry providing a unique level of experience and expertise to our procurement team. Erin recently served as Director of Raw Material for Ready Pac Produce, one of the nation’s largest fresh cut processing companies. Prior to that, she was employed at Fresh Express in the role of Business Manager for the retail segment. Erin also served as Supply Manager during her tenure at Fresh Express with responsibilities including iceberg and romaine lettuces. Erin has served as Director of Administrative Services at Produce America and holds a BA degree from the University of the Pacific.
Edith Garrett - Quality Assurance and Food Safety
Edith Garrett joined the Danaco team in October 2007. Prior to Danaco, Edith founded Edith Garrett and Associates after serving as President of the International Fresh-cut Produce Association (IFPA) for nine years. In her role at IFPA, she was the industry spokesperson; organized the world-class technical department; and directed educational programming, strategic development, operations management and market trends analysis for the association.
Prior to joining IFPA, Garrett gained extensive industry experience from eight years serving as the Director of Environment and Quality Assurance for South Bay Growers, Inc., a Florida lettuce and celery grower/shipper/processor. She developed, from the ground up, the company’s Quality Assurance monitoring program for the fresh-cut produce processing facility, built and operated the microbiology and shelf life laboratory and worked extensively with some of the largest foodservice companies. In 1996, the IFPA presented its Technical Award to Garrett for her work developing IFPA's technical programs, mastering regulatory issues, and spearheading industry projects.
Garrett is a frequent speaker on industry marketing and product trends, crisis management, regulatory affairs, and technical issues in the produce industry. She has served on the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables from 2001-2003 and numerous other industry committees.
Garrett received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also achieved the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2002.
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