Left to right: GSFF Chairman and CEO John Page; new GSFF Board Members Kate Starr and Melissa Vieira.
IRVINE, Calif., (January 30, 2024) – GSF Foundation (GSFF), the nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in need through personal involvement and contributions in the areas where Golden State Foods (GSF) associates live and work, announces the appointment of its new chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer, John Page, who also serves as GSF corporate executive vice president and chief administrative officer. Additionally, the GSF Foundation has appointed new board members, Kate Starr, group vice president, communications for GSF; and Melissa Vieira, group vice president, human resources for Quality Custom Distribution (QCD), a GSF company.
Based in the company's Irvine, California corporate global headquarters, Page leads GSF's Legal Department and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including the GSF Foundation, in addition to providing oversight of the company’s Risk Management; Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory (FSQR); Environmental Health and Safety (EHS); and Sustainability.
Recently promoted to lead GSF’s communications, and based in Irvine, California, Starr collaborates with GSF's support services groups and operational business units, as well as leads the team that strategizes and produces all internal and external communications initiatives for GSF She supports her local GSFF Irvine Committee as communications chair and also participates as an active member of the Board’s Communications Committee.
Based in Frisco, Texas at QCD’s headquarters, Vieira leads all human resources functions and activities for the foodservice logistics provider. She has volunteered as communications chair for the QCD Frisco GSFF Committee and will now serve on the GSFF Board’s Communications Committee.
“We entrust our valued board members with guiding and supporting GSFF’s efforts to make a difference for those most in need through the core programs and other activities that our 32 local committees coordinate in their communities,” says Page. “Kate and Melissa will bring valuable leadership and fresh perspectives to the board, further elevating our associates’ positive impact on each local community we serve.”
Starr, who now chairs the GSFF Communications Committee, and Vieira join current Board Members:
Brian Dick, president and chief executive officer, GSF
Carol Fawcett, corporate vice president and chief information officer, GSF
Pete Del Giorno, general manager, QCD Suffolk
Lisa Gottlieb, corporate treasurer, GSF
Ryan Hammer, corporate senior vice president and president, QCD
Ted Koester, senior purchasing director, GSF
Wayne Morgan, corporate vice president and president, protein products and operations support services, GSF; and GSFF fundraising and resources committee chair
Nathan Murphy, group vice president, operations, protein products, GSF
John Page, corporate executive vice president and chief administrative officer, GSF; GSFF chairman and chief executive officer; and GSFF executive committee chair
Bill Pocilujko, corporate central procurement manager, GSF
Greg Tarlton, senior regional director, QCD; and GSFF programs committee chair
Stephen Wetterau, corporate senior vice president, strategy, technology, and innovation, GSF
Established in 2002, GSFF has dedicated over 20 years to creating an organization that not only aligns with GSF’s values-based business practices, but also sets an example of giving back for others. With 32 local committees actively participating within these associate-run programs, GSFF is proud to have supported thousands of beneficiaries through more than 850 children’s charities and schools. The Foundation’s brand pillars are built upon making a difference by changing hearts and changing lives through the collaboration among beneficiaries, volunteers, and supporters.