G.A.P. is excited to welcome two new members to its Board of Directors: Cheryl Queen and David Pitman.
David Pitman is a lifelong poultry farmer, representing his family’s 60-year poultry operation in California’s Central Valley. He has a degree in agricultural business, and serves as president of the California Cultural Heritage Poultry Association and as an executive board member of the California Poultry Federation. David has implemented certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and G.A.P. 5-Step programs at Pitman Family Farms, which raise Steps 2, 3 and 5 chickens, as well as Steps 3 and 5 turkeys.
Cheryl Queen is the vice president of communications and corporate affairs for Compass Group North America, a leading foodservices management and support services company based in Charlotte, NC. Cheryl brings a wealth of foodservice knowledge to the complement of the GG.A.P.AP Board, and additionally has served as Board of Advisors Chair of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems at NC State University, and on the Board of the Fair Foods Standards Council.
“As consumers become increasingly interested in where their food comes from, G.A.P. plays a critical role in providing them with confidence in the food they’re eating,” said Queen. “For several years my family has relied on G.A.P. standards when we purchase meat. I know how important that is to me, and I’m honored to be part of an animal welfare organization that will continue to raise the bar.”
The addition of David and Cheryl as board members will provide insight into key areas for G.A.P. in the upcoming years as we work to deepen our efforts with foodservice partners, continue our Better Chicken Project, and work to make G.A.P. the most trusted and valued farm animal welfare certification program in North America.