Dominique Dawes
Three-time Olympian, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Gymnastics Academy Owner
Owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics. Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, in July 2020, her second location opened in 2023, and third Academy in 2024 located in Columbia, MD. Dawes holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League, and she also became part of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons ownership group as a Limited Partner in 2024. Dominique served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under the Obama administration alongside Drew Brees. Alongside LeBron James and Maverick Carter, she served as Executive Producer of the Peacock docu-series “Golden”, the journey of USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics, which was nominated for a Sports Emmy.
Dawes holds her degree from the University of Maryland and was inducted into UMD's prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2024, her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland honored her career and legacy with a life-size statue to continue inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps.
As a wife, mother of four, Olympian, and business owner, Dominique Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment and culture.
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Three-time Olympian, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Gymnastics Academy Owner
Owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics. Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, in July 2020, her second location opened in 2023, and third Academy in 2024 located in Columbia, MD. Dawes holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League, and she also became part of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons ownership group as a Limited Partner in 2024. Dominique served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under the Obama administration alongside Drew Brees. Alongside LeBron James and Maverick Carter, she served as Executive Producer of the Peacock docu-series “Golden”, the journey of USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics, which was nominated for a Sports Emmy.
Dawes holds her degree from the University of Maryland and was inducted into UMD's prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2024, her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland honored her career and legacy with a life-size statue to continue inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps.
As a wife, mother of four, Olympian, and business owner, Dominique Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment and culture.
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Jennifer Strailey
Editorial Director
Jennifer Strailey is the editorial director, produce for Farm Journal/The Packer. Prior to joining The Packer, she was editor in chief of Winsight Grocery Business. Strailey brings two decades of experience covering the competitive grocery, produce, natural products and specialty food and beverage landscape. In previous roles her focus has been to provide retail decision-makers with the insight, market intelligence, trends analysis, news and strategic merchandising concepts that drive sales. Strailey began her journalism career at The Gourmet Retailer, where she was an associate editor and has been a longtime freelancer for a variety of trade media outlets. Additionally, she has more than a decade of experience in the wine industry, both as a reporter and public relations account executive.
Editorial Director
Jennifer Strailey is the editorial director, produce for Farm Journal/The Packer. Prior to joining The Packer, she was editor in chief of Winsight Grocery Business. Strailey brings two decades of experience covering the competitive grocery, produce, natural products and specialty food and beverage landscape. In previous roles her focus has been to provide retail decision-makers with the insight, market intelligence, trends analysis, news and strategic merchandising concepts that drive sales. Strailey began her journalism career at The Gourmet Retailer, where she was an associate editor and has been a longtime freelancer for a variety of trade media outlets. Additionally, she has more than a decade of experience in the wine industry, both as a reporter and public relations account executive.
Kevin Hamilton
VP Global Marketing & Communications
Kevin Hamilton
Kevin Hamilton is the vice president of global marketing and communications for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and the North American Blueberry Council. In this role, he oversees global category marketing, consumer public relations, digital and traditional media, creative strategy and innovation to drive total blueberry growth and profitability.
Hamilton has over 20 years of marketing experience for a number of brands and commodities. He previously served as vice president of global marketing for Slice, a foodservice tech start-up. Prior to that, Hamilton served as the senior marketing director for Avocados From Mexico (AFM), where he was responsible for leading a team in the creative development, brand strategy, brand planning and execution of all brand marketing efforts, while managing over 10 different agencies and partners. Notably, while at AFM, Hamilton placed the organization on the map by producing its first-ever Super Bowl commercial. This spot was wildly successful with consumers, and was part of an integrated marketing strategy across multiple channels that today is still a cornerstone of AFM’S marketing strategy. Hamilton began his career with CPG blue chip companies such as Procter & Gamble, Clorox and Coca-Cola. He’s also been a consulting strategist and a planner at a marketing agency.
Hamilton holds an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business.
VP Global Marketing & Communications
Kevin Hamilton
Kevin Hamilton is the vice president of global marketing and communications for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and the North American Blueberry Council. In this role, he oversees global category marketing, consumer public relations, digital and traditional media, creative strategy and innovation to drive total blueberry growth and profitability.
Hamilton has over 20 years of marketing experience for a number of brands and commodities. He previously served as vice president of global marketing for Slice, a foodservice tech start-up. Prior to that, Hamilton served as the senior marketing director for Avocados From Mexico (AFM), where he was responsible for leading a team in the creative development, brand strategy, brand planning and execution of all brand marketing efforts, while managing over 10 different agencies and partners. Notably, while at AFM, Hamilton placed the organization on the map by producing its first-ever Super Bowl commercial. This spot was wildly successful with consumers, and was part of an integrated marketing strategy across multiple channels that today is still a cornerstone of AFM’S marketing strategy. Hamilton began his career with CPG blue chip companies such as Procter & Gamble, Clorox and Coca-Cola. He’s also been a consulting strategist and a planner at a marketing agency.
Hamilton holds an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business.
Cristie Mather
Vice President, Marketing
Cristie Mather is Vice President of Marketing for the Mushroom Council, the nonprofit marketing organization that supports U.S. mushroom growers and importers. Dedicated to increasing fresh mushroom demand, the Mushroom Council's marketing and communications programs engage consumer, retail, foodservice, and nutrition audiences with education and inspiration about delicious, nutritious, and sustainable fresh mushrooms. In 2026, the Mushroom Council is launching a new campaign platform, "It's Not Magic. It's Mushrooms.” aimed at cultivating the next generation of mushroom lovers.
Vice President, Marketing
Cristie Mather is Vice President of Marketing for the Mushroom Council, the nonprofit marketing organization that supports U.S. mushroom growers and importers. Dedicated to increasing fresh mushroom demand, the Mushroom Council's marketing and communications programs engage consumer, retail, foodservice, and nutrition audiences with education and inspiration about delicious, nutritious, and sustainable fresh mushrooms. In 2026, the Mushroom Council is launching a new campaign platform, "It's Not Magic. It's Mushrooms.” aimed at cultivating the next generation of mushroom lovers.
Kim Chackal
Co-Owner and VP of Sales and Marketing
Kim Chackal is the Co-Owner and VP of Sales and Marketing at Equifruit. Over the past decade she has established Equifruit as the North American market leader for Fairtrade-certified bananas and her sights are set on Global Fairtrade Banana Domination. Her fearless and bold approach is making waves in the produce industry. In 2021, Kim was recognized as “Produce Person of the Year” by the Ontario Produce Marketing Association. In 2022, she was recognized on The Packer 25 list which highlights leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. In 2024, Grocery Business Magazine selected her as an Outstanding Women in Produce and The Packer recognized her as the Produce Marketer of the Year. In 2025, the Globe and Mail listed Equifruit as one of the Top Growing Women-Led Companies in Canada. With 20 years of sales experience, she loves challenging people to rethink their consumption habits and consider Fairtrade as a sustainable solution in produce.
Co-Owner and VP of Sales and Marketing
Kim Chackal is the Co-Owner and VP of Sales and Marketing at Equifruit. Over the past decade she has established Equifruit as the North American market leader for Fairtrade-certified bananas and her sights are set on Global Fairtrade Banana Domination. Her fearless and bold approach is making waves in the produce industry. In 2021, Kim was recognized as “Produce Person of the Year” by the Ontario Produce Marketing Association. In 2022, she was recognized on The Packer 25 list which highlights leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. In 2024, Grocery Business Magazine selected her as an Outstanding Women in Produce and The Packer recognized her as the Produce Marketer of the Year. In 2025, the Globe and Mail listed Equifruit as one of the Top Growing Women-Led Companies in Canada. With 20 years of sales experience, she loves challenging people to rethink their consumption habits and consider Fairtrade as a sustainable solution in produce.
John Cymbol
Entrepreneur • Optimist • Creative Instigator • Co-Founder of Molly Pop, Amplifier Spirits & Driven Creative Supply Co. • 2025 Packer 25 Honoree
John Cymbal is passionate, proven, and fearless. An entrepreneur, optimist, and creative instigator, he’s the co-founder of Molly Pop, Amplifier Spirits, and Driven Creative Supply Co., ventures driven by a shared belief in disruption, inspiration, and impact. A 2025 Packer 25 honoree, John embodies the spirit of innovation and leadership shaping the future of produce and beyond. At Driven, he built a different kind of agency grounded in strategic wit and creative grit. Less bureaucracy, more personalization. Less fluff, more impact. Bold ideas that break molds, challenge norms, and move brands forward.
Fearless in approach and relentless in pursuit of what’s next, John believes failure is part of the process—and proof that you’re pushing boundaries. He thrives on the craft, the challenge, and the hunt for insights that spark unforgettable creativity. When he’s not building brands, you’ll find him waist-deep in a river, chasing trout in cold, clean water. For John, fly fishing is more than a pastime, it’s a metaphor for great creativity: patience, precision, rhythm, and finding the perfect flow.
Entrepreneur • Optimist • Creative Instigator • Co-Founder of Molly Pop, Amplifier Spirits & Driven Creative Supply Co. • 2025 Packer 25 Honoree
John Cymbal is passionate, proven, and fearless. An entrepreneur, optimist, and creative instigator, he’s the co-founder of Molly Pop, Amplifier Spirits, and Driven Creative Supply Co., ventures driven by a shared belief in disruption, inspiration, and impact. A 2025 Packer 25 honoree, John embodies the spirit of innovation and leadership shaping the future of produce and beyond. At Driven, he built a different kind of agency grounded in strategic wit and creative grit. Less bureaucracy, more personalization. Less fluff, more impact. Bold ideas that break molds, challenge norms, and move brands forward.
Fearless in approach and relentless in pursuit of what’s next, John believes failure is part of the process—and proof that you’re pushing boundaries. He thrives on the craft, the challenge, and the hunt for insights that spark unforgettable creativity. When he’s not building brands, you’ll find him waist-deep in a river, chasing trout in cold, clean water. For John, fly fishing is more than a pastime, it’s a metaphor for great creativity: patience, precision, rhythm, and finding the perfect flow.
Christina Herrick
Produce Editor
Christina Herrick is an award-winning journalist and editor, currently serving as the Produce Editor at The Packer, a leading publication in the fresh produce industry. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Christina joined The Packer in November 2023, where she covers a wide array of topics, including market trends, technological advancements, sustainability, and labor issues affecting the fruit and vegetable sector. She is also the host of The Packer Podcast, engaging industry leaders and providing insights into produce market developments. Before her current role, Christina built a distinguished career in agricultural and green industry journalism. She was the Senior Editor for American Fruit Grower and Western Fruit Grower magazines at Meister Media Worldwide, where she spotlighted grower innovations, crop management best practices and the integration of ag tech in fruit production. Christina later joined North Coast Media as Editor for Landscape Management and Golfdom magazines. During her tenure in the green industry, she garnered significant recognition from the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association for her writing. Outside of work, she is a proud 4-H alumna, Cleveland baseball fan, marathon runner, and farm dog enthusiast. She is active on social media, sharing news and perspectives on the fresh produce industry.
Produce Editor
Christina Herrick is an award-winning journalist and editor, currently serving as the Produce Editor at The Packer, a leading publication in the fresh produce industry. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Christina joined The Packer in November 2023, where she covers a wide array of topics, including market trends, technological advancements, sustainability, and labor issues affecting the fruit and vegetable sector. She is also the host of The Packer Podcast, engaging industry leaders and providing insights into produce market developments. Before her current role, Christina built a distinguished career in agricultural and green industry journalism. She was the Senior Editor for American Fruit Grower and Western Fruit Grower magazines at Meister Media Worldwide, where she spotlighted grower innovations, crop management best practices and the integration of ag tech in fruit production. Christina later joined North Coast Media as Editor for Landscape Management and Golfdom magazines. During her tenure in the green industry, she garnered significant recognition from the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association for her writing. Outside of work, she is a proud 4-H alumna, Cleveland baseball fan, marathon runner, and farm dog enthusiast. She is active on social media, sharing news and perspectives on the fresh produce industry.
Lance Burditt
Senior Vice President, Food & Agricultural Sustainability
Lance Burditt is Senior Vice President at Farm Journal Inc., where he leads the Fresh Produce and Sustainability markets, including The Packer, Produce Market Guide, the East Coast and West Coast Produce Expos, and Trust in Food. With more than 25 years of experience in agricultural markets, Lance has a proven track record of growing agricultural businesses while championing alignment between commercial teams and customer needs. In addition to his leadership responsibilities at Farm Journal, Lance brings a unique practitioner's perspective to the industry as the owner-operator of Legacy Acres, a working farm he manages with his family. His combination of hands-on agricultural experience and strategic business acumen gives him credibility with both growers and the companies seeking to partner with them. Lance's leadership philosophy centers on building authentic relationships and delivering measurable value across the agricultural ecosystem. He is particularly driven by opportunities that create meaningful impact for rural communities, recognizing that the strongest solutions most often emerge from collaborative effort.
Senior Vice President, Food & Agricultural Sustainability
Lance Burditt is Senior Vice President at Farm Journal Inc., where he leads the Fresh Produce and Sustainability markets, including The Packer, Produce Market Guide, the East Coast and West Coast Produce Expos, and Trust in Food. With more than 25 years of experience in agricultural markets, Lance has a proven track record of growing agricultural businesses while championing alignment between commercial teams and customer needs. In addition to his leadership responsibilities at Farm Journal, Lance brings a unique practitioner's perspective to the industry as the owner-operator of Legacy Acres, a working farm he manages with his family. His combination of hands-on agricultural experience and strategic business acumen gives him credibility with both growers and the companies seeking to partner with them. Lance's leadership philosophy centers on building authentic relationships and delivering measurable value across the agricultural ecosystem. He is particularly driven by opportunities that create meaningful impact for rural communities, recognizing that the strongest solutions most often emerge from collaborative effort.
