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Staff Spotlight: Gail Santana
While some people enjoy the recognition of "being in the spotlight" due to a job well done, Gail prefers to work behind the scenes. As Gail would put it "I like to get the job done without anyone noticing that there was a need for something to be taken care of." Gail began working for the Dried Fruit Association (DFA) in 1978. Unlike most people, she wasn't even looking for a job. With two small children at home she was content to be a stay-at-home mom. However, when her mother-in-law (who worked for DFA) asked Gail if she wanted to go to work Gail's quick "No" was overruled by her husband’s "Yes she does!" And so her journey began. Gail started out as a seasonal walnut inspector. If a stranger asked Gail what she does for a living, she would look them straight in the eye and proudly state "I inspect nuts". With each passing season her roles and responsibilities continued to expand and quickly grew to include pistachios, almonds, fresh apricots and peaches. In 1988, Gail became the Modesto area supervisor. She worked with Mike Hill for thirteen years. According to Gail, it was a symbiotic relationship with her teaching him the inspection aspect of the business, and him training her about management. In 2002 Gail was given the opportunity to join the ACFSQ/DFA management team as commodity manager for walnuts and almonds. In 2007 responsibilities were reorganized and her job was expanded to manage all commodities from Stockton south. Since then she has been introduced to figs and raisins According to Rich Cherrix, HR Director, Gail learned the business from the bottom up. She is very knowledgeable in the commodities, a valued resource and is the company expert in walnuts. Gail has a no nonsense approach to managing her programs and you always know where you stand. She is well respected by co-workers and the members & customers we provide services to. She has trained many senior managers in commodities, including a few former Presidents. Gail is the proud grandmother (Nana) of six grandchildren which leaves little time for any additional hobbies. |
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Comments, questions or story ideas? Please contact newsletter editor Richard Cherrix at 916.561.5900 ext. 107 or richc@agfoodsafety.org  View Newsletter Archive IN THIS ISSUE Member Spotlight: Valley Fig Growers 24th European Dried Fruit Meeting ACFSQ/ DFA Board Members: Don Soetaert, Chairman Shoei Foods USA, Inc. Susan Brauner Blue Diamond Growers Sam Keiper Diamond Foods, Inc. Jack Mariani Mariani Nut Company George Sousa, Sr. Mariani Packing Company, Inc. Barry Kriebel Sun-Maid Growers of California Mark Dalrymple Sunsweet Growers Inc. Mike Emigh Valley Fig Growers Pete Turner Wilbur Packing Company SCTC Board Members: Michael Cassidy, Chairman Sun-Maid Growers of California Chip Litten CalDak International, LLC Bruce Higton California Food Connections Craig Duerr Campos Brothers Farms N. Leon Dermenjian Derco Foods Martin Mariani Mariani Nut Company Jim Zion Meridian Nut Growers, LLC Everett Golden Otis McAllister, Inc. Linda Robbins Pacific Century Trading, Inc. President’s "E" Award By Erika Tarr Known as one of the oldest and most widely trusted companies dealing in global trade of food products, Otis McAllister, Inc. is truly a shinning star. Founded in 1892 by James Otis, Jr., M. Hall McAllister and Everett N. Bee, their mission was simple: to provide their global customers the widest breadth of sources for high quality and reasonably priced foods, beverages and food ingredients and to conduct business with all suppliers and clients in an ethical manner. This practice has continued for one hundred and sixteen year history as a key company in the worldwide food industry. <read more> Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC) 2010 Ag Shipper Workshops By Erika Tarr The Specialty Crop Trade Council works closely with The Agricultural Transportation Coalition (AgTc). The AgTC monitors government and commercial activity on ocean shipping and other transportation issues and keeps AgTC members up-to-date on how these will impact their business. To view Ag Shipper Workshop Dates and Locations, please visit http://www.agtrans.org/Section.asp?article_id=1989 American Shipper <view PDF> |
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