Bio

I am driven by a passion for agriculture, technology, and sustainability. I work with companies to navigate, develop, and commercialize innovation. My role as VP of Innovation at the International Fresh Produce Association is to bring technology to the produce industry across the supply chain, working with both technology companies and the industry to identify and solve pressing needs. I have held leadership roles with some of the largest multinational organizations along with start-ups. I produce a weekly Podcast “Fresh Takes on Tech” on technology and solutions in the Produce Industry and I manage the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator bringing new technologies into the industry. I also chair the Technology and CEA councils for IFPA. I sit on three start-up company board of directors (Creatus Bio, Kula Bio and Stony Creek Colors) in addition to advisory and government boards. Vonnie earned a bachelor of science degree in horticulture from New Mexico State University and a master of science degree in plant pathology from the University of California, Davis. The Biotechnology Innovation Organization awarded her with the fourth annual Rosalind Franklin Award for Leadership in Industrial Biotechnology in 2017, an award recognizing women who make lasting contributions in the field of biotechnology. Specific areas of value-add: business development, partnership strategies, amazing industry network, the board of directors, navigating access and commercialization of gene editing, plant genetics, alternative protein, and specialty crops. Speaker. Specialties: speaker on biotech and technology adoption, gene editing, CRISPR Cas9, plant breeding, indoor agriculture, horticultural crops, biofuels, biobased chemicals and products, independent board of directors, agriculture biotechnology, energy crops, feedstock, business development, government affairs, public affairs, marketing, sustainable development, new venture work, mergers and acquisition, Brazil, Europe, enzymes, big data, precision ag, business strategy, AI, machine learning. keynote speaker. Broad member in startups