Chris Summers, Vice President of Risk Management
Chris began his fresh produce career in a microbiology lab in Ventura County, where he created and executed Environmental Monitoring Programs and product testing protocols for various producers throughout the California coast. During this time, he also experimented with post-harvest treatments to reduce pathogens while considering sensory components. Chris then moved on to Dole Berry, managing quality and food safety throughout the Southern CA supply chain, including directing field and facility audits. He continued his experimental work, expanding to various modified atmosphere applications to extend product shelf life during cooling and transport. In 2010, he moved to Mission Produce, Inc. to integrate science into the FSQA programs. He created baseline global food safety and supply chain programs to comply with global markets. His position grew to include health and safety, workers compensation, social compliance, trade compliance and sustainability. He now leads a team of professionals under the risk management umbrella incorporating ERM, data privacy, and DEI into the mix.
Chris is also the CEO/President of a local non-profit, The Ventura County Food Safety Association. This association provides education to the local food and agriculture community through the coordination of experts on sanitation, federal and local regulations, microbiology, chemical applications, and recalls. He furthers his contributions to the local area by providing FSMA, HACCP, and other food safety training to any company who needs it. The association was created in 2016 and operates with a motto of “Food Safety Has No Competition”. Chris is also involved in the IFPA Food Safety Council serving on the Steering Committee and as a mentor for Class 3 of the Produce Safety Immersion Program.
Chris extends his community involvement outside of food safety, as the Vice President of a local school board. He coaches his son’s soccer team, and cheers on his daughter’s swim and ballet teams. He lives in Thousand Oaks, CA with his wife and 2 wonderful children.
Mission Produce, Inc. | 2901 Camino Del Sol | Oxnard, CA 93030
csummers@missionproduce.com | Office 805.988.1613 | 805.415.1113
