PMA Names COO, Strengthens Senior Leadership

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has promoted Tony Parassio to chief operating officer, and named Margi Prueitt PMA senior vice president. Prueitt will also maintain her current role as executive director of the PMA Foundation.

The changes to PMA’s senior staff leadership were announced by PMA president and CEO Bryan Silbermann at the organization’s meeting in Denver, Colo.

Parassio (left) joined PMA in 2008 as the VP of business development, and in 2010 was appointed SVP of member value. Prior to joining PMA, he held a variety of commercial leadership roles with global companies, including sales and product management, global business development and executive-level positions. He currently serves on the Produce for Better Health Foundation’s board of directors.

“During [Tony’s] time with PMA, he’s demonstrated unparalleled leadership with our staff team and with members world-wide,” Silbermann said. “Tony’s been instrumental in laying our strategic roadmap for creating and delivering value to PMA’s members around the globe, including our floral members.”

Prueitt (right) earned a Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Kentucky, holds a Master’s degree in community development from the University of Louisville, and participated in the Harvard J.F. Kennedy School of Government’s Executive Leadership Program. Most recently, she served as the executive director of The Committee of 100, an economic development organization in Delaware, and prior to that, a 35-year tenure with the American Red Cross, most notably as the CEO of the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula.

“Since she joined us in 2010, Margi has been the catalyst for an ongoing spring-boarding of greater value and strategic vision for the PMA Foundation,” Silbermann added. “She’s been instrumental in leading the execution of some hugely successful programs like the Emerging Leaders Program, Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, the growing portfolio of Career Pathways Programs and more.”

Prueitt also has expanded the PMA Foundation’s role with regional groups across the U.S. and Canada, along with other countries, including South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Mexico, among others.

Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain.