A California poultry producer and an executive with Compass Group North America have been named to the board of directors for the Global Animal Partnership (GAP).
David Pitman and Cheryl Queen’s appointments to the board were announced on December 21. The join existing board members Leah Garces, Dr. Aaron Gross, Wayne Pacelle, Dan Probert, Paul Willis, A.C. Gallo and Matthew Bershadker.
“The addition of David and Cheryl as board members will provide insight into key areas for GAP in the upcoming years as we work to deepen our efforts with foodservice partners, continue our better chicken welfare initiative, and work to make GAP the most trusted and valued farm animal welfare certification program in North America,” GAP said in a statement.
David Pitman
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.
Pitman has implemented certified organic, non-GMO project verified and GAP 5-Step programs at Pitman Family Farms, which raises Steps 2, 3 and 5 chickens, as well as Steps 3 and 5 turkeys.
Cheryl Queen
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, North Carolina.
Queen brings a wealth of foodservice knowledge to the complement of the GAP board, and additionally has served as board of advisors chair of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems at North Carolina State University, and on the board of the Fair Foods Standards Council.
“As consumers become increasingly interested in where their food comes from, GAP 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 GAP 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.”
