United Fresh announces addition of new Senior Technology Advisor

WASHINGTON, D.C. – United Fresh has announced that Nathan Dorn has joined the association team as Senior Technology Adviser to help build its education and trade show technology platform, supporting the new United FreshTEC Conference & Expo, June 13-15, 2017 in Chicago.

Dorn will share his expertise in robotics, engineering, mechanical harvesting and other technology applications gained from years of experience with the Reiter Affiliated Companies, Gallo Family Vineyards, and the Pepsi Bottling Group. In addition to his current consulting role, he is the CEO and co-founder of Food Origins – a startup focused on precision data collection and analytic services for hand-harvested produce. He was previously Director of Knowledge and Innovation for Reiter Affiliated Companies, implementing worldwide organizational mechanization programs for fresh berry harvest and non-harvest activities.

“We’re excited to have Nathan bring a new level of technical expertise to the FreshTEC team at United,” said United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel. “Nathan will be a great asset as we work to create a new innovation platform at the show that will combine expert education for industry operations executives, and highlight technology innovations and applications throughout the growing, packing and processing of fresh foods.”

Dorn began his career as a U.S. Navy nuclear mechanic for the submarine fleet. He received his MBA from Pepperdine’s Graziadio School of Business Management and his BA from the University of Phoenix.

Currently Dorn serves as Organizing Host for the RoboUniverse Ag Robotics Track, and as an advisor to multiple startup organizations, Cal Poly / California Strawberry Commission Research Center, Hartnell Jr. College and the Mixing Bowl.