IFPA Chief Financial Officer Recognized as CFO of the Year

June 20, 2024

Washington, DC – In recognition of her consistent annual fiduciary stewardship and career highlights that include the financial, human resources, and information technology integration of the International Fresh Produce Association’s legacy organizations, IFPA’s Chief Financial Officer Dr. Yvonne Bull has been honored with CEO Update’s Nonprofit CFO of the Year award.

"For over 20 years, Yvonne has been the cornerstone of our financial stewardship, meticulously managing the resources our members entrust to us. Her thoughtful approach has been instrumental in our efforts to lead and serve the global fresh produce and floral community," said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. "Yvonne's exceptional skills in fiduciary and asset management, combined with her strategic vision for reinvesting in our industry's future, have garnered the unwavering trust of our Board of Directors and auditors. It is a blessing to count Yvonne's unwavering dedication to fiscal integrity and transparency among the many talents represented by our leadership team."

Coupled with these fiduciary responsibilities, Burns noted that Bull played an integral role in launching a new staff performance management system, creating staff professional development programs in support of creating a high-performing organization, and presently co-leads IFPA's internal culture and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Past IFPA Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Vizzone, Executive Director of DiMuto and Co-Founder/CFO of Vertical Ocean commented that Bull’s integral financial stewardship role in the formation of IFPA “cannot be overstated. Tasked with navigating intricate financial landscapes and managing diverse stakeholder interests, she displayed firm leadership and strategic foresight throughout the process. Under her adept guidance, resources were consolidated, redundant entities were efficiently wound down, and two new organizations were successfully launched, all achieved within a methodically managed budget.”

In addition to Bull’s commitment to excellence and strategic foresight, Vizzone further remarked that “Yvonne leads with empathy and humility, fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within the finance team and across the association. Her genuine respect for others, coupled with her approachable demeanor, encourages open dialogue, and fosters a sense of belonging among colleagues.”

“She is an avid learner and innately curious. Yvonne continually seeks out opportunities for personal and professional growth. Her recent attainment of a Doctor of Business Administration from Wilmington University from 2011-2016, while undertaking full-time employment, stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to self-improvement and academic excellence.”

The Nonprofit CFO Award celebrates the vital leadership role that CFOs play in supporting nonprofits. Bull will be formally recognized during the Nonprofit Legal, Finance, & Grants Conference in October.

IFPA Chief Financial Officer Recognized as CFO of the Year

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