SACRAMENTO, CA – DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance announce the retirement of their President and CEO, Vaughn Koligian. After many years of dedicated service, Koligian will step down from his role, leaving a legacy of resilience, leadership, and stability.
During his tenure, Vaughn Koligian led DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance through some of the most challenging periods in the history of the organization. His unwavering commitment to excellence and genuine care for the organization and its people have been defining aspects of his leadership.
Dane Lance, President & CEO of Sunsweet Growers Inc. and a DFA/SFA Board Member, expressed the Board’s gratitude: “The DFA/SFA Board is deeply grateful for Vaughn’s exceptional leadership and effort during perhaps the most difficult times in our long history. Vaughn’s resolute, direct, yet compassionate character inspired his team through unprecedented COVID-19 challenges, as well as through the more recent process of retooling and reinvigorating DFA/SFA business. We wish Vaughn all the best in future endeavors and sincerely thank him for his dedicated service.”
Brian Dunning, President & CEO of ShoEi Foods USA and current board Chairman of DFA and Safe Food Alliance, added: “I’d like to thank Vaughn for his tremendous leadership and drive. His dedication, energy, and resilience have been monumental. As Vaughn transitions towards retirement, we appreciate that he will continue to advise the organization as the next President & CEO comes on board.”
Vaughn Koligian’s hands-on approach was instrumental in navigating the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving growth, and renewing its focus on core industries. His leadership brought about stability and a renewed emphasis on the organization’s primary goals.
“I am thankful to have worked with such a strong team, and particularly for the accomplishments we were able to achieve together,” said Koligian. “I also appreciate the guidance from our Board of Directors who provided me with the opportunity to lead the company.”
Koligian’s contributions have laid a solid foundation for the organization’s future growth and success. DFA and Safe Food Alliance will name Koligian’s successor in the coming days.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Hillari Bynum
Director of Marketing
(916) 545-4497
communications@safefoodalliance.com
About DFA of California
Founded in 1908, DFA of California is a non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting the dried fruit, tree nut, and specialty crop industries. DFA supports processors through rigorous inspection services, member benefits, food safety training, and provides support on numerous export related matters. For more information, visit DFA of California.
About Safe Food Alliance
Safe Food Alliance provides a comprehensive range of food safety services designed specifically for food processors and manufacturers throughout California. As a full service food safety company, Safe Food Alliance provides third-party laboratory testing, complemented by extensive food safety training, consulting services, and third-party certification audits offered through a separate company, Safe Food Certifications.
