The Southeast Produce Council announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, that Kristin Yerecic Scott, marketing director and Board of Officers member at Yerecic Label, is the recipient of the council's Next Generation Award for 2020.

The announcement was made via the SEPC Virtual Garden.

Gerald L. Harp, former president of Harps Food Stores, died Oct. 16. The son of Harvard and Floy Harp, founders of Harps Food Stores, was 80.

Andy Hamilton will serve as Markon Cooperative's next CEO effective immediately. Hamilton comes from a strong background steeped in foodservice, sales, partnership relations, and operations management, and will focus on continuing to drive growth for the cooperative through brand leadership, culinary innovation, and 5-Star Food Safety.

Produce Marketing Association Vice President Nancy Tucker announced her retirement at the Fresh Summit 2020 Global Community Reception. Tucker, who has had a storied career in produce, has been a fixture of PMA’s global work since the early 1990s.  Industry veterans were on hand to celebrate her impact and wish her well during the Global Community Reception on Oct. 13.  Tucker will officially step away from her role Dec. 31, 2020.

Julie Van Acker of Organicgirl LLC died Thursday, Oct. 8, at home, from triple negative breast cancer, surrounded by family and friends, including her boyfriend Arnie Jackson. She was 53 years old and lived in Tampa, FL.

Julie Christine Thieman was born Dec. 18, 1966, to Frederick and Sue Ann (Bushmeyer) Thieman in Kansas City, KS, the middle of three children.