MAITLAND, Fla. (FFVA – Feb. 16, 2010) – The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has appointed Kerry B. Kates as director of water and natural resources. Kates brings a strong civil engineering background to the job in FFVA’s Industry Resources group. “Kerry’s technical knowledge and his experience dealing with permitting agencies make him a great fit for FFVA,” said Mike Stuart, president. “He’ll be an asset to the association and a strong resource for our members.”
Kates spent five years as a civil analyst and project manager in the Orlando office of Kimley-Horn and Associates, a nationwide engineering and land-planning firm. He is a licensed professional engineer and LEED-accredited professional, and he holds bachelor’s degrees in geology and civil engineering from the University of Florida.
Kates will be responsible for monitoring and working with regional water management districts, state agencies, local municipalities and the Florida Legislature, and advising FFVA members of regulatory and legislative actions related to water resources, land use and property rights.
“With my background in geology and civil engineering, having the opportunity to work with FFVA felt like a natural progression,” Kates said. “I truly feel privileged to be working with such a talented group of people, and I’m looking forward to getting to know all of our members and being able to assist them to the best of my abilities.”
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (www.ffva.com) is an agricultural trade organization representing Florida’s producers of fruits, vegetables and other crops.
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