The Texas International Produce Association has added three industry executives to the TIPA Board of Directors.
Travis Catalani is one of the executive leaders recently named to the board. Catalani began his career at B. Catalani 14 years ago and has grown up around produce his entire life. B. Catalani was founded in 1914 and Catalani is the fourth generation family member to continue the family business.
“I have known since I was 12 years old that this is what I wanted to do,” Catalani said. “I am passionate about the industry and honored to be able to serve in this role for TIPA.”
Anna Lopez, VP of produce for H-E-B, has also been added to the board. She has been with H-E-B for more than 28 years. Lopez began her career in the Gulf Coast, starting in store operations for the first 10 years. Her career has spanned multiple positions, including regional operations, corporate merchandising and marketing, quality assurance, business development manager and business unit director for procurement.
Cory Oliver, who was also named to the TIPA Board of Directors, began his produce career on the retail side and worked with various grocery stores for more than 25 years before moving to the supplier side. His tenure included management and director level positions within Albertsons, Ahold, H-E-B, Sprouts and Kroger. For the last five years, Oliver worked with Texas-based shippers handling a variety of commodities and roles.
He recently represented TIPA at the Gulfoods event in Dubai, UAE as part of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s mission to expand access into new international markets.
“On behalf of TIPA, we would also like to express our sincere appreciation for the contribution and leadership of the board members that have concluded their service,” said the company in a recent newsletter. “Their support and dedication has been invaluable to the association: Mrs. Courtney Schuster Moore of Rio Fresh Inc., Mrs. April Flowers of Lone Star Citrus Growers, and Mr. Will Steele of Frontera Produce.”
For more information, visit texipa.org.
