Western Growers, Irvine, Calif., has hired Eric Trost as vice president of employee benefits for the Insurance Services group.

Robert “Bob” Chester Kershaw, a founder of Domex Superfresh Growers, Yakima, Wash., has died. He was 81.

Ian LeMay is the new president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, Fresno.

Produce Alliance, Chicago, has hired Mike Bradley as chief operating officer.

Sixty years ago, John Moncovich and his friends planned a barbecue with some friends in the Watsonville, Calif., area to raise some funds for charity.

PALM SPRINGS — Meg Buchsbaum, most recently the national produce merchandiser for C&S Wholesale Grocers, is now the retail account manager on the East Coast for the National Mango Board.

As I explore and meet people at farms, terminal markets and conferences in the Northeast, I’ve noticed something which I suspect is happening nationwide.

Kelly Davis, director of produce and floral of Allegiance Retail Services, Iselin, N.J., has joined the Eastern Produce Council’s executive board.

Al Bernardi, who helped established a Nogales, Ariz., brokerage as the area became a key link to imported produce, has died.

Cindy Richter is the new director of business development at Fruit World Co., Reedley, Calif.