Amy Gates – VP of Admin and Finance
Frontera Produce

• 8 yrs experience in produce
• Professional Positions:
  • Sales Manager
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • VP of Admin and Finance
• Graduated California Polytechnic State University
  B.S. Agricultural Business Management with a minor in Marketing
• Reason for entering the industry:
  • College Internship

Upon the completion of a summer college internship with Apio, Inc., a grower and marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables, she knew that she would enter into the industry. Her first position as a Sales Manager with Famous Software, an accounting program customized to the specific needs of companies in the fresh product industry, introduced her to a multitude of companies throughout the supply chain. As Sales Manager for Famous, she oversaw the sales, installation, and training in Southern California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Every year, Amy was recognized for meeting 100% of her sales quota. Also while with Famous, Amy became involved with the PMA Leadership Program and was active in the Tulare County Farm Bureau.

In 2004, Amy took an executive position with Frontera Produce. Her leadership responsibilities quickly segued into that of a Chief Operating Officer including operational performance, capital budgeting, and corporate structuring. Amy was also instrumental in the development of Frontera′s information systems, human resource department, and marketing department. As a result of the company′s new structure, Amy moved to the position of VP of Admin and Finance in mid 2007. In this role, she is responsible for eleven direct reports in several key business areas. Her administrative include management of information systems, human resources, communications, public relations, quality assurance, and government relations. The finance side includes accounting, mergers and acquisitions, legal, and financial planning.

During Amy′s time at Frontera, her leadership skills have been recognized with the Produce Business 40 under 40 Award. Amy also serves on the Texas Produce Association Board and Food Service Produce Marketing Association Board.