Paul Pfenninger is the new executive vice president of the Beet Sugar Development Foundation (BSDF) and the American Society of Sugar Beet Technologists (ASSBT).
He replaced Thomas Schwartz, who served in those capacities since 1988. Schwartz retired July 31, but will remain in a consultancy capacity to facilitate the transition.
Pfenninger is well known across the sugarbeet industry, having retired this past year as Michigan Sugar Company’s vice president of agriculture. His entire beet career encompassed 38 years, including a decade as vice president of agriculture for Monitor Sugar Company prior to its growers and those of Michigan Sugar coming together in 2004 to purchase Michigan Sugar and becoming a grower-owned cooperative.
As executive vice president of BSDF and ASSBT, Pfenninger will interact with the numerous agricultural and processing organizations integral to the beet sugar industry. He’ll work closely with the McGinnis Institute of Sugar Beet Technology agricultural and processing schools, as well as with directors and members of both the ASSBT and BSDF.
Pfenninger will be coordinating BSDF and ASSBT activities through the groups’ Denver office while maintaining his residence in Michigan. He can be reached through the Denver office (303-832-4460) or by emailing to Paul@bsdf-assbt.org.